âWeâve narrowed down the sites of the other explosives. Bomb techs have found and disabled two of them. We can assume that he has the third with him.â Kelly reported.
The news over the coms made Jubal just a bit more at ease. At the very least they stopped a potential for mass casualties.
As Jubal jumped out the van with SWAT right behind him, Maggie sent him a look, OA by her side.
âHe still has a bomb in there, we need to be smart.â
Theyâd found his van parked on the south side of the abandoned building. The area was secured.
âThe moment he realizes that his bombs are no longer active heâs going to panic. At that point thereâs no telling what heâll do.â OA advised.
None of them liked this situation.
Jubal knew the risks, with a nod to SWAT, they entered the building. Jubal lectured himself to prepare for just about anything. With each floor that they cleared, he could feel his dread increase.
The last door, they stood outside, waiting for instruction. His hand wasnât steady.
âSir, do we breach?â
Jubal hesitated, before he swallowed, nodding.
They gave a count right before they were bursting down the door. Jubal spotted movement on the far side. Jeff had been pacing, and the second he saw the many officers filling the room, he gripped the bag on his shoulder and pulled you closer to him towards the broken window. You stumbled with him, raising your hands. Jeff has a gun in one hand and a switch in the other.
âJeff Rivers. Weâve already disabled the other two bombs. Itâs over. You havenât killed anyone yet, it doesnât have to end here.â
Jeff looked frantic and you were a bit relieved. Your phone was tucked in your pocket, so youâre relieved that theyâd heard everything.
âPut the gun down and we can end this peacefully.â
âNo, NO!!â
He was now waving the gun around, clearly pissed.
âWHY AM I THE ONLY ONE THATâS SUFFERING!! ITâS NOT FAIR!!â
He was spiraling and now you werenât liking the situation. There were at least a dozen people in the room, if he set off his bomb it would take out the entire floor, maybe even the building.
âYou guys need to leave.â
You instructed.
Jubal shook his head.
âYou know we canât do that.â
Jeff has backed all the way to the edge of the building, and the subtle sound of water rushing by below catches your attention.
Maggie and Jubal had been trying to negotiate, but itâs useless.
The erratic beats of this manâs heart is a clear indication.
âPlease, just let her go, please...â
Jubal is begging at this point and for once youâre actually glad you donât have your sight, because watching his broken stare would hurt too much.
Jeff doesnât say anything, just lifts the switch.
Now one is really given a chance to react and you tackle him right off the ledge, both your bodies barreling out the broken window. Jubal stares in horror as your bodies hit the water and not even ten seconds after the bomb goes off. The building shakes and the water shoots up into the air like a fountain before it drops.
Maggieâs eyes show fear, and OA mirrors that expression.
Jubal is unable to say or do anything.
It takes him a moment to register the scrambling of agents in the room. OA is the one that ends up giving instructions.
Maggie grabs Jubal by the shoulder.
âJUBAL!!â
He jolts at the yell.
âWe have to get out of here, the bomb damaged some of the structure. This place could come down on us.â
He stumbles, then nods, turning to the chaos that has started.
With your gym bag on your shoulder, your intention is to buzz by Jubalâs office before you head out. A few of the agents greet you on your way up. Youâve memorized the path, so you know how to get there. However when you move through the hall, everyone seems to be bustling around.
You intend to ask what the chaos is about.
Thereâs so much going on, despite that your ears track the erratic heartbeats of people moving around. No flags seem to raise, not until you smell it.
The subtle scent of plaster.
The type that is usually associated with a bomb.
The first thing you track is the person carrying it. A man, late thirties from what you can tell. At least six feet, strong build, unsteady right hand, the one thatâs holding the switch. You need to think of something quickly.
You try to be subtle, because one mistake can set him off. The last thing you need is this bastard setting off a bomb there. You follow the man cautiously. Heâs moving towards Isobelâs office. You sense it when he turns, and all you offer is a smile. Youâre hoping your disability will give you some leeway, at the very least he wonât suspect anything, but apparently thatâs hoping too much.
â(Y/N)?â
Jubal steps out of the room, reading your expression.
That seems to trigger the man. He grits his teeth as he grabs you, arm locked around your throat as his free hand lifts to show the switch. People rush in the room and guns are raised.
âBack up!! EVERYONE BACK THE HELL UP!!â
You can easily get out of this hold, but youâre not confident that youâd be able to disable this bomb, so this hostage situation might be the best play. He must be after something bigger, otherwise he would have set it off the moment he stepped into the building.
âOkay, okay, take it easy.â
Jubalâs voice tries to calm the man down, but his heart is beating erratically.
You wish you could offer him some comfort, because you donât need to see his face to feel the fear.
âIâm going to walk out of here with this agent and no one is going to stop me.â
âListen, you want an agent, take me. Sheâs just a civilian. Take me.â Jubal negotiates.
Your capturer just shakes his head, moving back towards the elevator. No one makes the mistake of getting close. Once heâs in range, he presses the button. Jubal looks devastated.
âPlease, please Iâm begging you, let her go. Take me!â
âNot a chance. Sheâs important. I just need one scumbag official and it looks like I got the best one.â
âWHAT DO YOU WANT?!â
Jubal asks desperately.
The man just grins.
âYouâll know soon enough.â
The elevator doors close and people are frantically moving around the room.
âGet me visuals!!â
The order rings in the room as agents rush to pull up feed and information on your kidnapper.
~
Itâs clear he has some mission. Heâd shoved you into a van and the lingering smell of rust and plaster from the C4 is present. Thereâs more bombs. You need to find out where they are, what this man wants.
âYouâre blind.â
He glances back, and you do your best to look like a wounded animal. You say very little in hopes that heâll take it as fear.
âWhy are you doing this?â
He makes another crazy turn that makes you jest into the hard surface.
âWouldnât you like to know. I didnât realize they employed disabled agents.â
âIâm not an agent.â
He sends another look behind you, probably displeased. Given how rash his actions were you know he assumed they were just lying to him. Now youâre almost fortunate that you were the one he grabbed. He hasnât even bothered to check you for a phone. With your hands bound behind your back, you carefully slide out the phone.
~26 FED~
âEyes up everyone!!â
Jubalâs call pulls everyoneâs attention. The image of your assailant is displayed on the screen.
âJeff Rivers. I want to know everything, where does he eat? Where he does sleep, where does his barber live?â
Jubal sounds a bit desperate and everyone can tell why. The ringing on his phone diverts his attention and he tenses. When he clicks the button, he expects to hear your voice, he needs to.
âSo youâre just some disgruntled employee?â
Your voice on the other side makes him turn to everyone, making a gesture for silence as he connects his phone to a speaker.
âLaw enforcement failed me! I was arrested for a crime I didnât commit. I had a fiance, a great job and a house. Two months in jail and I lost everything. My family abandoned me, my fiance wanted nothing to do with me! Everyone thought I was some serial bomber.â
âNow your idea to prove them wrong is to set off bombs at federal buildings. What a smart plan.â
The screeching of wheels echo and Jubal sends a look to Isobel as Kelly pulls up the location from your cell phone. The second they have it locked, all eyes move to the main screen.
âYou suffered and now youâre going to put other people through what you survived?â
âSHUT UP!!â
The aggressive yell makes Jubal tense.
âTheyâll all get whatâs coming to them.â
It doesnât take a genius to figure out that nothing good is coming.Â
âDetective Hotchner, what a pleasant surprise.â
Greg was practically beaming when you walked into the lab with Grissom and Catherine.
âI donât have time for your games. Tell me what you have before I shoot you in the foot.â
The monotone of your voice made him get right back on task. So did the threat.
âRight, well the hairs we recovered werenât from your typical animal. Itâs specific to a certain kind of rodent. Anyone want to take a guess of which one?â
He looked around with a grin and when you placed your hand on your waist, impatient, he cleared his throat.
âThe white tailed woodrat. Fun fact, southern woodrats live in caves and cliffs. In the west, woodrats occur from the deserts to the mountains.â
Grissom hummed.
âSo we were right, our suspect was out there with the victim.â
Catherine smiled.
âLooks like John has some explaining to do.â
She gave Greg a pat on the shoulder.
âGood job.â
He nodded with a triumphant smile, leaning over with his eyes closed as if to receive a kiss. You just walked out.
âNext time for sure!!â
He called.
That was typically how all your visits went. Heâs known for his antics, so youâre not even surprised when you come in sometimes to see a wacky t-shirt or crazy garment on his head, much like today.
The next case had led to a murder at a circus. You werenât even phased when you entered for your evidence and he was wearing a red curly haired wig and similar round rosy colored nose stuck to his face.
âDid you know circuses originally started for individuals with body deformities? They were outcasts and the circus is where they found themselves."
âIâm surprised you didnât join one.â
âHah, that was actually clever. Iâll give you that one.â
He turned back to the microscope.
âSo you were right about the fabric. There were traces of the same cleaning detergent on the wifeâs jacket. Same with the boots. We have a match.â
He moved back, wheeling over to the other desk as he swiped a sheet of paper. When he rolled back to you he held it out. You were about to take it, but he pulled it back and you just glared.
âNuh uh, whatâs the secret word?â
âHand it to me or I'll shoot you.â
He gulped.
âClose enough.â
You took it, walking right out, oblivious to the look Greg sent as you made your way down the hall.
He was used to hostility. You were probably the only person that threatened him whenever he went on his tangents. Catherine had warmed him countless times to stop pushing your buttons. She insisted that one day you might actually follow through and shoot him.
Heaven knows sometimes sheâs thought about.
Maybe Grissom has too.
A casual snack on a late night case is what you need. You felt like youâd been working for days which had in fact just been about twelve hours. Greg had walked into the kitchen to grab himself a snack, making some coffee. Apparently he had the same idea. When you saw him you lifted a brow.
âYouâre still here?â
He nodded, taking a seat with a smile.
âGrissom wanted his best on the case so I decided to reign in the calvary.â
âI heard they were down a guy thatâs why youâre out in the field.â
âPotato, tomato.â
He waved his hand, then placed both elbows on the table dropping his chin into his palms as he looked at you. For a while you didnât really say anything, just had your meal. But the longer he sat there the more irritated you seemed to become.
âQuit staring at me.â
You grumble.
âCanât help it.â
He was wearing a dopey smile and you just sent him a blank look before you rolled up your trash and stood, tossing it. You didnât even bid him goodbye, but he still waved, the very same smile on his face.
Yes, you were certain that you disliked the young CSI. He talked too much, made terrible jokes at the worst possible times, and he seemed hell bent on chasing you which really was in poor taste. You were positive youâd done everything to discourage him but he seemed like a dog with a bone. Youâre almost positive that youâd never said anything remotely nice to him, yet he kept smiling at you like a lovesick puppy.
His presence was a nuisance.
Thatâs what you told yourself. Any day that you didnât have to see him was a blessing.
At least that was the thought.
When you got called to DC to work a high profile case with your brother, you were happy to assist. Youâd only been there for two weeks. You hated to admit it, but it was strange going to a crime lab and not seeing the smile you were used to, or poorly concocted pick up lines.
When you returned to Vegas you felt strangely calm, or maybe just comfortable. You had a nice rhythm here. That was it. Thatâs all it could be.
You shook the thought and went right back to work the following week. Given the close partnership with your department, you did a lot of cases with them, just like Brass.
When you came to collect your sample you expected the spiky haired over zealous scientist, what you got was Hodges.
âWhereâs Greg?â
It was strange.
Youâd never worked a shift where he was absent.
âIs that a joke? Everyone knows heâs in the hospital. He got shot a day ago.â
Hodges looked up when he realized it was you.
âOh, welcome back I guess.â
His tone was anything but welcoming and you just went back to work. You meant to inquire about Greg getting shot, but Grissom walked in.
âYouâre back. How was DC?â
You turned.
âWhat happened to Greg?â
Grissom shifted.
âHe was shot. Luckily it went through his shoulder and missed anything vital. It happened in our last case. We were out in the field. He actually saved my life. He hasnât stopped boasting about it either.â
Somehow you felt relieved knowing that at the very least he was well enough to act like the annoying guy he is.
âAre you worried about him?â
Grissom lifted his brow and you didnât respond, just kept your face neutral.
âWe should get back to the case.â
You moved to get the evidence from Hodges and Grissom merely walked over, a small smirk on his lips.
The shift carried on and as much as you tried to avoid it, your eyes would drift to Gregâs work station. Grissom explained that he would be back in a few weeks. Apparently he himself was getting antsy being bed ridden. You were certain that you werenât even affected. If anything you should be happy for the peace.
But the quiet just felt..empty.
Catherine and Warrick explained that they had set up shifts to visit him. Yesterday was Nick, the day before Sara. Today was supposed to be Grissom.
âYouâre going to see him?â
Everyone in the room looked over at Grissomâs words.
âYes. I donât think it would look very good if everyone did but me.â
Catherine did her best to hide her smile.
âOf course. Youâre right. Have fun.â
She was smiling a bit too wide. Right then she must have realized that your request to see him was more than just a means to save face. You didnât stick around to entertain any more questions, just left.
Now walking down the hallway, you didnât realize how heavy your heart felt until you saw him lying on the bed through the blinds. He had a comic book in his hands, and his eyes were focused on the page, but his gaze seemed a bit distant.
When you got to the door that weight all but disappeared. You gave the door a soft knock, opening it as you stepped in.
The second he saw you he was wearing that grin. You closed the door, taking in the many flowers and balloons on the table at the entrance.
âYou look comfortable.â
He nodded, almost puffing his chest.
âWell, you know what they say about heroes.â
There was the boasting Grissom mentioned. You were about to say something in response, but your eyes caught the slight tremor in his right hand. You looked up, just in time to see him tuck his hand under the sheet, planting a smile on his face.
âSo you came and forgot to bring me flowers, thatâs not very subordinate of you.â
He was teasing, and you would have just taken it as his usual playfulness, but you saw the quick change. Heâd done what he could to mask that moment of weakness. Nothing about him seemed out of place. His hair was still spikey, he was smiling and he wasnât wearing a brace, so you could only assume that he was healing nicely.
He was fine.
At least on the outside.
Having a profiler brother made you more aware of things.
Moving closer, you took a seat on the chair that was pulled up to the side of his bed.
He didnât say anything and you suppose you could have said any number of things, but at the moment it became clear that there was one thing that he needed. Maybe your blunt nature had made you more observant and willing to say what was on your mind.
Reaching over, you gently took his hand that was somewhat buried under the covers. He looked a bit stunned. Whether for the observation or the simple touch, you werenât sure. What you did know was one thing.
âIâm glad youâre okay Greg.â
Your hand closed over his palm, and you saw the slight waver in his eyes. Heâd been scared, rightfully so. You know more than anything heâd probably put up a brave face. Due to his goofy nature it worked. At least for a while.
Youâve had your fair share of bullet wounds and it always left you with some unsettling feelings. For Greg, that must be amplified because heâs not used to being out in the world the way the rest of you are.
When he squeezed your hand back, this time you felt the tremor in his hand. The comic book was now laying in his lap, and he let out a dry laugh, raising his free hand to wipe at his eyes, possibly to get rid of any tears that threatened to spill.
With a soft exhale, he lowered his hand, this time looking at you with a sincere smile.
âThank you..â
It was a soft whisper, one that you accepted with a nod of acknowledgement.
You werenât ignorant. Your job had been a bit of a default because of your âgiftâ. In actuality it felt necessary.
You should have been glad that most people just thought you were weird. Youâd gotten better at managing.
So, at the very least your superiors didnât think you were crazy. You suppose having a gypsy aunt helped to solidify the story, because some of the people you worked with just made distasteful jokes every now and then.
âStill talking to dead people Gordon.â
The snide comment from a cop was something you were used to.
âGood one, still cheating on your wife with your personal trainer?â
Thatâs what you wanted to say, but of course the question would arise on how you found out and you werenât interested in answering those questions. So you forced a smile on your face walking past him as you headed to see Sophia. She asked that you drop off the evidence you found.
Maybe that wasnât the only reason you were there.
You opened the door, putting the items down on her desk. The bold letters written on the top of the note ensured that she would see it as soon as she came in.
âThank you.â
You lifted your head, offering a smile at the woman standing in front of you, the subtle white glow of her body was indication enough of her passing.
No matter how many times you did this it never got easy.
Guiding spirits.
âThey have everything they need to catch your killer.â
You stated after youâd tucked the extra documents under the folder.
She wore a weak smile, turning to the door, staring out the blinds at the many bodies rushing through the halls of the precinct.
âHow do you do this job? Itâs hard enough alone, but with all that you see, how can you show up everyday with all that you know?â
That was the million dollar question.
âBecause I made a promise to my dad, and Iâve never broken a promise.â
Regardless of what people thought, you had a job to do at the end of the day. Your gaze shifted when her body seemed to shimmer. Your expression fell slightly at the realization. They only ever really passed on when peace was given.
She seemed to realize the same, because she turned behind her, staring in awe at something.
âWow..â
She was laughing despite the tears in her eyes. Youâve never been able to see past that veil, but you knew that whatever was waiting for her, it was amazing.
She gave you one last look.
âThank you for everything.â
You simply nod and just like that, she turns, stepping forward. In a blink sheâs gone and you exhale softly. Her death had been brutal and like most cases it was painful, even more so that youâd been with her when her family came to claim the body.
A tear escaped your eye, despite your best efforts to stop it. You suppose it was naive to think that youâd get better at handling the emotional aspect of your gift. Youâd been so distracted that you didnât hear the door open.
âCan I help you?â
You blinked and there stood Captain Brass. He looked concerned. Quickly wiping your face, shaking your head.
âN-No. I was just dropping some documents off for Sophiaâs case. If youâll excuse me.â
You maneuvered around him, head bent as you paced out of the door.
That was typically how your life went. Being a CSI at Las Vegas Crime Lab was not so much your calling, but your duty.
Each day you went in you put your all into every case. You tried to give a voice to the people that couldnât speak for themselves. An analogy that Grissom used once that seemed to fit perfectly.
Some days were tougher than others.
Like tonight.
You were handling a different case that led you to the hospital to follow up with a doctor about a surviving witness. Your eyes were deep in your folder when your phone started going off. With furrowed brows you slid it out of your pocket to check. The only thing that stopped you was the pair of feet before you.
Clearly the person had stopped because you were about to run into them. With your phone in hand you lift your head to apologize, shocked to see Brass standing before you. He looked equally stunned. It wasnât his presence that startled you, but the very noticeably golden glow his body was giving off.
âYou can see me..â
He sounded astonished, and you swallowed.
You didnât want it to be real, but when you finally opened the message on your pager, it confirmed what you were seeing.
Captain Jim Brass was shot.
â(Y/N).â
Grissomâs call made you look up. He moved to your side and you were doing your best not to look directly at Brass, because at the moment you were the only one who could see him.
âI-I heard what happened and I came to see. How is he?â
It was a blatant lie.
The only one you could make up at the moment. Just by looking you could see the pain in Grissomâs eyes.
âHeâs in surgery.â
Surgery.
Maybe that would help explain the current predicament.
âAm I dead?â Brass asked.
You mentally shook off the words, keeping your focus on Grissom.
âI know you can hear me, just shoot straight with me, Iâm dead.â
âThe doctors havenât told me much.â
You expect as much, glancing in Brassâs direction, you werenât oblivious to the way he looked at you, as if assessing.
âI guess the rumors were true after all. What a way to find out you werenât just the niece of an overzealous con artist.â
At least his sense of humor hadnât left.
Grissom looks curious, and thatâs when you realize that youâve been staring at that blank space for way too long.
âI have to get back to the lab. Iâll be back. Thank you Grissom.â
He nods, and you rush off shortly after.
Your plan had been to zoom home and figure out a plan of action. Thatâs why youâd pretty much sprinted to your car. It took a while to get home. Safe to say when you got to the door you did not expect a certain police captain to be standing in your living room.
âGood to see you too. So you can see me.â
You couldnât fathom it, this was a first. He shouldnât have been able to leave the hospital. Not on his own at least..
You expected him to have a different expression, but Brass looked pretty laid back given his situation.
âI guess it was only a matter of time huh. I thought Iâd bite the bullet at my desk with a nice glass of whiskey.â
âYouâre not dead.â
He paused, and you ran a hand through your hair. It wasnât just one thing that didnât make sense, it was everything. Now that youâre in this position, the only thing you can do is explain it as best you can.
âUsually spirits canât roam freely unless I have a possession, something they treasured. Something tangible. I donât have any of your belongings yet you walked right out of the hospital and your body is..â
Your words pause for a moment.
âYour body is glowing golden, not white. I donât think you're dead. I think somehow youâre trapped between here and-â
âThe afterlife?â
You nod, taking a seat on your couch. Brass is still standing there looking official and youâre no closer to figuring this out.
âIâve never dealt with this situation before.â
You reply honestly.
For once, youâre not sure what to do. You might have to request the rest of the day off in hopes that you could find some solution. Even if you solve that, youâre still a bit lost and frustrated, because now youâre torn.
If heâs trapped then how do you determine which path he needs to take? Do you convince him to figure out a way to fight, get back here, or do you help him pass over? This is the first time you feel overwhelmed because youâre not sure what to do, youâre not sure how to help.
You place your hands over your face, letting out a sound of defeat.
âChin up, at least you didnât get shot.â
Your head whips to the side and you glare at him.
If the stress doesnât kill you his humor surely will.
Ultimately youâd cashed in on some of your sick days. Given the circumstances, Ecklie hadnât even truly questioned it. Your plan was to go through some books and see if you could find some lead to this problem.
The first day you called your aunt but she hadnât been much help.
âWhat is to be, will be.â
She said it with a cheerful tone that almost made you want to jump right out a window.
Youâre back to square one and you still know very little about Brassâs status at the hospital. Officers had been taking shifts. You were contemplating steering clear of the place because whenever you went over there youâd get into stupid arguments with Brass.
Like now.
âSo youâre not very good at this huh.â
You squeezed the canned drink in your hand, lifting your head as you looked down the hall with a frown.
You werenât trying to lose your job on top of all of it for yelling at someone who wasnât there but he was really testing you.
âJust be quiet. â You grumble.
He laughs.
âLooks like I hit a nerve. Since youâre the only one who can see me Iâm sure you realize Iâm going to be around for a while. Better get used to it.â
You really hope he would just step into the light right about now.
âYou just prayed for me to step into the light didnât you.â
âNo.â
You donât look at him and he just wears a smug little look.
Maybe tomorrow will be better.
~The Very Next Morning That Was Indeed Not Much Better~
âGood morning.â
You screamed and Brass just grinned.
His sudden appearance almost made you drop your cup.
âSorry, I couldn't help myself.â
You had half a mind to throw your mug at him, but you figured he was already having a rough time. Placing your hands on the counter you mumbled under your breath.
âSo any leads on helping me pass over.â
You turned to him slowly, eyes holding hesitance.
âYou seem a bit eager to pass on.â
âWell, Iâm not getting any deader, am I sweetheart?â
âYouâre not dead.â
You mutter, picking your mug off the counter as you place it back in your cupboard.
You werenât in the mood for coffee anymore.
âI appreciate the wishful thinking but itâs been days. Iâm not exactly expecting a miracle. I already killed the guy that shot me, so whatâs keeping me here? Arenât you the ghost whisperer? Hurry up and work your gypsy magic.â
âHas anyone ever told you youâre annoyingly pushy?â
âIâd like to think of it as persistent or passionate.â
You snort, rolling your eyes.
As irritating as heâs being, heâs right. Youâve passed on more than a hundred spirits already. It should be easy, yet nothing about this situation is easy.
âBy the way, nice shorts.â
You blink, looking down, face heating when you realize that you are practically wearing booty shorts.
In your defense it was six in the morning and you werenât exactly expecting company.
âS-Shut up!!â
Brass just laughed as you scurried away.
Your time with Brass was nothing if not enlightening. Youâd hoped you could get him where he needed to be, if nothing but the fact that he would no longer be roaming around your place.
Honestly you thought heâd be a bit more crass, but it took you about a week to realize that he never really ventured past your living room and kitchen. Given his abilities he could come and go as he pleased.
One night youâd stepped into the living room to check on him and he was just standing at the window, looking at the raindrops hitting the glass.
âItâs a little weird. I usually hate the rain, but itâs a bit relaxing right now.â
You suppose you could understand why.
âGrissom said your daughter stopped by.â
He just let out a dry chuckle.
âIâll believe it when I see it.â
You couldnât really blame him for being a skeptic.
âBrass, I never asked you, but do you want to-â
âYou should get some sleep.â
His need to change the subject seemed to give you a bit of clarity. He moved to place a hand on your shoulder to give you a friendly tap, but you shrugged it off and he stopped.
âWhy the hell am I wasting my time if youâre not going to try and fight.â
âI thought thatâs what I was doing?â
âNo itâs not. Since you've been here you havenât once asked me to help you get back.â
He looks as though heâs been caught and that confirms everything. From the start it felt like he accepted it. The ridiculous jokes, acceptance, you probably should have seen through it sooner.
âArenât you supposed to help me, even if the outcome isnât something that you want.â
You feel a bit attacked, because that strikes a nerve. In a way heâs right. In a lot of ways, this is similar to a DNR. On a spiritual level rather than a legal one. If he decided that he was done fighting then you should respect that yetâŠ
Some part of you canât seem to let go.
âI-I donât care what you say! Iâm getting you back here and thatâs final! You have no say in this!!!â
You storm off, chest puffed and when Brass hears your bedroom door slam he actually smiles.
The following morning you feel a bit ridden with guilt, but you refuse to fold, so you just offer a hand for him. Heâs confused when he sees you holding your hand out.
âTruce.â
Youâre not really looking at him and he wants to laugh, but he just chuckles, taking your hand.
âTruce.â
As agitating as he was at times, you couldnât deny that the short time with him, youâd grown a bit fond of him. Youâve known him for a few years and your encounters had been far and few between.
Grissomâs team typically worked directly with him, so youâd have run-ins every couple months. Back then you regarded him no different than the cops at his precinct.
But now it feels different.
âSo how long have you been able to see all of this?â
It was a question heâd brought up one evening. With the litter of books in your lap about faith and passing over, you looked up. Itâs not strange for him to be curious. To be honest heâs the first to ask.
âEver since I was seven.â
Your eyes are back in the book, still working your angle.
âSo you saw him, your old man.â
You stop altogether and maybe he feels as though heâs overstepped, because he looks like heâs waiting for you to tell him to piss off.
âI did.â
Heâs the reason youâre doing this.
âPromise me you wonât hide from it, youâll use this gift to help people.â
âI-I promise dad, I promise!!â
All heâd offered was a smile, and that was the very first time youâd passed a spirit over.
âAt the time I was young, so everyone thought I was just dealing with loss. I guess being a kid works in your favor for certain situations. No one believed I actually saw him and everyone around kept telling my mom I was just trying to find my own way to grieve.â
âYouâre better than a lot of us.â
You almost wanted to laugh at that. He made it sound so noble. For a second you think heâs going to tease you, but there is nothing but sincerity in his eyes.
âI know youâve heard what they say about you.â
âWatch out, Gordonâs a freak.â
âI heard she talks to dead people.â
âGypsy my ass.â
âI guess theyâre hiring crazies too.â
The statements cops had made in passings, or the ones you heard second hand. You werenât oblivious. But itâs not like you could really say anything. Proving your abilities was almost as dangerous as defending them.
âIf I survive this Iâll be sure to recommend you for a medal.â
He looked cheeky and you actually laughed at that. A genuine, belly hurting laugh. Brass found himself joining in at the pure ridiculousness of the statement.
It was the first time since seeing him that things felt light.
You thought the toughest part would be accepting that you actually kind of enjoyed his company, but you were wrong.
The toughest part was walking into the hospital the very next day and hearing those words.
âIâd encourage you to begin putting his affairs in order.â
The doctorâs somber advice was like a gut punch.
It felt like theyâd practically given up.
Catherine had left after those words were spoken and Greg and Warrick were standing off to the side. Nick was at Saraâs side. Grissom seemed to be the only one keeping it together on the outside and you knew that was more for his team than anything else.
The officers within the vicinity didnât need to hear the words, from the reactions you knew they understood. Youâd turned back, expecting Brass to still be at your side, but he was nowhere to be found and you panicked.
You spun around, rushing down the hall.
When you broke the corner, relief washed over you when you saw him sitting in an empty chair next to a vending machine.
Your steps slowed as you approached and he just leaned back.
âYou donât have to look so sad. It comes with the job. If not today then tomorrow. Itâs what we signed up for. Maybe itâs payback for what I did.â
âThat wasnât your fault!â
You were angry that he was bringing that up at such a time. Everyone knew he hadnât meant to shoot that officer. and he looked up, so did the couple that passed by, confused as to who you were yelling at.
You just huffed in defeat, storming off. You didnât want to spend another day in that hospital.
~
When you got home, you practically slammed the door, not at all surprised when Brass seemed to pop up at your side as if out of thin air.
âDick move leaving me at the hospital. Is that how you treat your superiors?â
You werenât in the mood for his comments at the moment.
âYouâre such an asshole.â
âA label Iâve heard a dozen times.â
He was still trying to play it off with his poorly timed humor.
You wanted to be angry with him, but in a way, you could see where he was coming from. This situation was completely out of his control. You should probably be proud that he was accepting it so graciously. With another heavy breath, you dropped onto the couch.
You were out of ideas. You feel as though youâve read every book on planet earth that could have given you any kind of insight.
Thereâs nothing.
Youâre lost and just about ready to give up. Itâs infuriating. This is the first time that you werenât able to help and itâs painful. More so because this isnât some stranger. This is a coworker, a friend..
When you feel a hand on your shoulder, you look over.
âItâs not your job to solve everyoneâs problems.â
Thereâs a strange sense of understanding in his eyes and your shoulders drop almost in defeat.
Your eyes tear up and in that moment he realizes the weight you've been carrying. Itâs never been easy seeing spirits, but this time, itâs even harder. They always said that for cops, homicide was different when you saw that one person on the table.
You suppose this is one of those moments.
Youâd never been particularly close with Brass, but you knew him, and he was a good guy. Probably the few dozen left in the world.
âIf itâs my time to hit the dirt then itâs my time. Thereâs nothing you can do to change that.â
You offer a weak glare.
âYouâre not exactly making me feel better.â
He grinned, and despite the shitty circumstances, you let out a dry laugh, the tears slowly running down your cheeks. He gave you a gentle rub on the shoulder, and when you let out a soft sniffle, his attention changed.
The hand that was once on your shoulder lifted slightly and he reached out, gently cupping your cheek. The action caught you a bit off guard, and unconsciously, you leaned into the touch.
You felt strangely safe.
His thumb brushed your cheek, catching the remnants of your tears.
The subtle action made you lick your lips, gulping nervously. His gaze had softened considerably and you suppose you must have been mirroring the same. Your body felt warm, unable to pull your gaze away from him. When you bit your bottom lip, you couldnât seem to stop yourself, you leaned in, the very moment he did and your lips met in a tender kiss.
Your fingers immediately moved to grab at his suit and he welcomed it when you pulled him forward. You both fell back on the couch and he groaned softly when your legs wrapped around his hips as he used his elbow to balance his weight.
Your hands were now gripping at the back of his suit. You would not have separated had it not been for the lack of oxygen. He pulled back to catch his breath and you were panting, trying to do the same. His eyes were solely focused on you and the events seemed to play back in your head, cheeks going red.
He smiled at the bashfully awed expression.
âI appreciate the memorable farewell.â
You were confused at the comment, thatâs until you felt the warmth on your fingers tips. The back of his suit was giving a bright glow. Realization hit you like a truck, and you tried to grab him, find a way to hold on, keep him there, he just gave you a saddened smile. The more you tried to hold one the faster he seemed to be disappearing and after a few seconds, his body was no longer solid.
You were crying now and he shook his head with tears of his own.
âThanks for keeping me company Gordon.â
In a blink, he was completely gone and you were laying there, frozen, unable to utter any words.
You nodded, walking past the front desk as you headed straight for your office. The second you were inside you dropped your items on the couch as you sighed heavily.
Closing your eyes, you tried to get a grip.
âThe man that let you go is a fool. I wonât make that mistake.â
Those words had been whispered as he thrusted into you from behind. With a shuddering breath, you shook your head, trying to clear your mind.
âIt was a mistake, that was a mistake.â
After the many waves of pleasure had passed, you woke the next morning and snuck out of there. You were almost relieved when your things were on the table in his hotel. You were positive that neither of you had grabbed it, so room service must have brought it in at some point.
No matter how hard you tried you couldnât seem to forget any of it. It was useless. The only reprieve you have is the fact that youâll probably never see him again.
The knock on your door was a good distraction, your coworker walking inside. From the looks of it she had something juicy to tell you.
âJust a heads up, I heard weâre getting new management. Some big shot just bought the paper.â
As long as your job stayed intact you didnât care which rich guy bought it.
The press company you work for is popular, so itâs not that unexpected.
âWord is heâs an uptight celibit.â
You raised a brow and your co-worker laughed.
âIâm serious. His name is James Wesley. All the guy does is work and make millions apparently.â
The look she wears shows that sheâs gonna dig deeper.
You just sip your coffee.
âIâll be working on my article if you need anything. Donât let Andy catch you gossiping.â You poke. She giggled.
âNo promises!â
She called scurrying off.
At least you have entertainment to keep your mind off your troubles for a while.
The rest of your morning was a bit laid back.
When you were all called in to meet the new owner, you couldnât deny that you were intrigued. According to your boss, he was busy, so he would only have time to meet with a few of the higher publishers.
You knew your name would be on that list, so you were comfortably completing your latest article as you resided in your office contemplating your night of questionable choices.
The knock broke that train of thought.
âCome in.â
You didnât look up, not until the door closed. Your supervisor was standing there with a smile on his face and your body went stiff at the man next to him. That very same stare as last night was directed at you. Yet you can see hints of surprise written on his face.
You had about five seconds to school your features and get your shit together.
You stood, moving to offer as much professionalism as you could muster given the circumstances. You stayed close to your desk, a bit afraid to get too close.
âThis is (Y/N) Castle. Our last stop. If you need anything else please let me know Mr. Wesley.â
He nodded at your boss who excused himself with a look that said put your game face on. The door shutting felt like a cold shower. Of course out of all the men in this damn city you could have had a one night stand with, it had to be some rich entrepreneur.
âI..â
Words wouldnât form. He didnât really say anything either, just stood there, watching you like heâd done that night, almost like he could read everything. Your thoughts, panic. He pushed up his glasses, finally moving over. The closer he got the faster your heart rate went.
He stopped when he was right in front of you, and when he gently touched your cheek, you could feel yourself almost leaning into it.
âI thought it was the alcohol, but you really donât know who I am?â
His thumb brushes your lower lip and you swallow. In all honesty, you have no idea who this man is. Youâre not some oblivious fool, after all youâre paid to have answers to questions, but you couldnât place his face at all and youâd only learned his name this morning.
âI-â
He kissed you and you squeaked when he pushed you against the desk. Your hands dropped onto the surface, shocked, panicked, arousedâŠ
The last thing you should be doing is this. Itâs clear that heâs an influential man. Everything about him screams danger, and now learning that heâs some freaking billionaire, you should be running in the opposite direction, but every brush of his lips makes you want to melt.
The delicate touch against your back has you submitting, and when he finally pulls away, you let out a staggered breath. Your eyes are closed, and his lips move to your cheek, then down to your jaw, against your neck.
Your hands grab at his suit.
âW-We canât be doing this youâre..â
Heâs..
âY-Youâre the boss I-â
He nips at your ear and your mind is gone. You really should have educated yourself on who the hell this man was, maybe if youâd recognized him the first time around he would have lost interest and you wouldnât be fighting between your mind and your body right now.
You have enough on your plate. Messing around with this guy is going to ruin you. You're not sure you can handle another heartbreak right now. You whimper, lightly pressing against his chest
âP-Please..â
You expect resistance, but he moves back almost immediately at the plea and when he sees the conflict on your face, his hands move off your body.
âI apologize.â
It takes a few seconds for him to get back into that professional persona and youâre still trying to gather yourself, thankful for the support of the desk.
This time you canât blame the alcohol for any bad decisions.
Youâre a journalist for goodness sake. This entire situation is like every newspaper front cover youâd ever read.
âIf..If this ever got out it would be messy.â
âSo you donât want me.â
You canât believe he would even ask such a ridiculous question. Youâve already established that sex with this man is absolutely mind blowing. Add the status and his nerdy/secret undercover criminal energy, youâd be an idiot to say that you arenât interested.
But as it stands you need to figure out the situation with your lease, sort out the fallout of your break up and complete your article piece before the end of the week.
You have more than enough on your plate. Adding more to that would be a mistake, especially since everything about this man feels so dangerously mysterious.
âI canât want you. I canât want this. I know Iâm some kind of experiment for you. Youâre some pent up stick in the mud and youâre looking for a high. Iâm..I have my own shit to deal with and I canât risk losing this job.â
Itâs the only thing keeping you afloat right now. Both mentally and literally.
âYou never answered my question.â
Your look of disbelief must be amusing.
He takes a step forward.
âDo you want me?â
This time itâs said much lower and you clench your fist. Maybe if youâre honest itâll make breaking this all off easier.
âI want you.â
You confess.
âI want you so much Iâm going crazy! All Iâve been able to think about today is last night. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind..â
You look a bit desperate.
âSo youâre right, I want you, but I need this job.â
âUnderstood.â
Your brows furrow.
âWhat does that mean? Understood.â
âI wonât approach you again. This is your decision. You want me, thatâs all I need to know.â
For a moment you think heâs joking, but he says nothing more, straightening his jacket as he walks out.
The second you step into his apartment, his scent seems to be everywhere. Not that youâre surprised. He takes your coat with a smile.
âMake yourself comfortable, Iâm going to check on the pasta.â
You nod, folding your cane as you slowly venture forward.
Your fingers drift over the wallpaper as you make your way to the kitchen. You can hear Jubal moving around somewhat frantically and when he notices you he smiles.
âI hope youâre hungry.â
âAbsolutely famished.â
It takes him a few more minutes to get everything set. The meal you share is nice and the conversation is even better. After he very adorably boasts about his cooking, you both find yourself on the couch, going back and forth about various topics.
Jubal is talking about his kids, describing them, and the topic of family seems to bring you a melancholy feeling. Maybe he notices. You feel the shift in his posture against the couch. You know heâs curious. You donât talk about your life much, but he knows you lost your father.
Youâd mentioned Stick only once before around him.
âItâs okay Jubal, you can ask me.â
Thereâs still a bit of hesitance on his part, but he finally seems to get the words together.
âBefore, you spoke about someone named Stick. Was he your foster parent?â
You almost laugh at that.
Parent would not be a word youâd use to describe Stick.
âStick was my mentor. I was a kid when I lost my dad. When he started training me I thought it was because he cared, but he just wanted a soldier. Heâs one of those vigilante types.â
Now Jubal understands.
âI wasnât comfortable being a mindless soldier and he didnât want some clingy orphan, so I left. The guy was a jerk, but at least he taught me how to look after myself. â
You brush your hand over your wrist.
Jubal feels a bit guilty now.
âIâm sorry. I didnât mean to bring up bad memories.â
You just smile, because you understand. He just wants to know more. Jubal has been vulnerable around you in the past, so itâs only fair that you offer the same.
âItâs okay. Itâs nice to talk about it sometimes. Foggy is really the only other person Iâve confided in about this.â
âIâm glad Iâve been added to that list.â
You are too.
The air seems a bit lighter and when he reaches over and takes your hand, you lift your head.
âI have to admit I was surprised you agreed to have dinner with me.â He expresses.
âReally?â
âReally.â
He nods with a laugh.
Now you feel as though you need to be a bit more transparent.
âIf Iâm being honest, Iâve been interested for a while now.â
Youâve known Jubal for about two years. Foggy knew the second you started talking about the guy that you were smitten and it had only taken OA a few meetings to figure it out.
Now Jubal seems intrigued.
âYou never said anything.â
You just rub your arm.
âI donât exactly have the best track record when it comes to relationships.â
Frank Castle could attest to that. As well as Elric Natchios.
âMy disability tends to make people weary and when they find out about my abilities, well itâs intimidating. Itâs hard finding a balance. Most guys are either anxious because they think I'm defenseless or too capable.â
âWhat about you?â
The question isnât what you expect and his thumb runs over your knuckle.
âHow do you see yourself?â
He elaborates.
âI..â
Thatâs a bit of a complicated question. One youâve never really considered before. No one has ever really asked you this.
âI guess Iâd have to say that Iâm strong.â
You laugh, because itâs both accurate and ironic.
âResilient, driven, kind, beautiful..â
The words he speaks makes you flush.
âThose are just the ones off the top of my head.â
He says with a grin.
If you werenât already enamored with the guy before, you sure are now. You move a bit closer, and Jubal smiles when you slowly begin to lean in. He mimics the action, palm laying gently on your cheek as he kisses you softly.
The tenderness of his touch and the carefulness of each action makes you so warm. Sometimes you forget that you donât always have to be strong. Times like this youâre reminded of a fragility that you seem to crave.
Jubal takes special care with you, and not in a manner that makes you feel deficient in any way.
Pretty soon those careful kisses become a bit more insistent, and you climb into his lap, brows knitted as your hands run down his chest. Youâre the one who pulls back to catch your breath. Jubalâs heart race has picked up, and so has yours.
One thing youâre sure of, youâre happy he asked you out for dinner.Â
Your little night activities are the first thing you remember when you wake.
You notice that youâve changed into a loose shirt and you realize that after that situation, heâd helped you into bed. Youâd already been pretty drowsy due to the alcohol and clearly heâd made sure you were tucked in before he left. You groan, covering your face.
Youâre embarrassed.
Somehow you manage to get out of bed and take a shower.
Hopefully work will keep you distracted.
You go through your morning routine and when you step into the office, Foggy is the first to greet you.
âGeez youâre alive! Thank goodness. I thought you fell in a man hole or something.â
Your brows furrow and you pat your pants the sudden realization that you hadnât checked your phone this morning.
âSorry. Last night was a lot.â You mutter distractedly. You take a seat, both hands just messing with your cane. Foggy just stands there, waiting.
âSoâŠare you gonna tell me how the date went?â
Just replaying the events makes you flushed. Foggy just watches you for a second before he grabs a chair and slides it right next to you.
âAlright spill, it couldnât have been that bad. Youâve been crazy about this FBI dude for months now.â
You run a hand through your hair. Youâre a bit relieved that Karen hasnât arrived yet. To be honest, youâve always had an easier time talking to Foggy with just about anything. Heâs not going to let this go and you sort of need to let someone know. Why not your best friend?
âLast night was actually pretty..well it was great. We had dinner and he walked me home.â
âIs that all?â
You blush.
âFoggy you know about the..well, my thing..â
You make a getsure and he nods in acknowledgement.
âYeah. What about it?â
You lean in a bit closer.
âWe didnât even go all the way. All he did was touch me and I..well I was screaming.â
Just expressing this makes you want to melt into a puddle.
âWait, wait , wait wait, you mean you-â
âYes.â
âWow.â
Foggy looks impressed.
âGot to hand it to him, heâs good. Just his hand, are you sure?â
âIâm pretty sure I would know.â
âDamn. I know youâre sensitive but usually it takes a bit more for you to get all horny.â
âCould you not say that so loudly!â
âDude, thereâs no one here but us, I got you.â
You just let out a sigh.
Heâs pretty shameless.
By some miracle you go about your day without crashing into anything due to your daydreams. Jubal has also left a message for you to stop by after work and you canât seem to stop buzzing. By the time you make it home you jump into the shower and stay there for a bit longer than planned. Maybe you hope itâll wash the nerves away.
Youâve managed to make dinner and listen to some notes on your case when you hear the doorbell. Your heart skips, and when you move to the door, you can feel your skin get warmer. You open the door.
Jubal watches you with a smile.
âHey.â
âHi.â
You respond shyly.
You step aside to let him in, closing the door when heâs inside. You were certain youâd at least be able to keep your composure when he was here, but his aftershave makes you a bit light headed. Sometimes your enhanced senses drive you a bit crazy.
He takes a step forward, and you anticipate each one. When heâs much closer, he reaches out, gently taking your hand. You interlock your fingers and he takes the last step, slowly guiding you into a kiss. This one is slower than last night, more calculated.
His lips part and join with a sense of precision and an equal amount of passion. Your legs tremble, and your hand reaches for him, flattening against his shirt. It slowly moves around, sliding over his back as you pull him closer. Youâre matching each careful kiss, and he smiles at the soft moans you begin to release.
Youâre the one who pulls back, just enough to get a breath. You huff, and heâs still wearing a smile as your breaths mingle. Your eyes are closed, and he presses a kiss to your cheek.
âHow about dinner tomorrow night?â He whispers.
âKeep your grip tight. Straighten your shoulders.âÂ
The instructions being given to you from behind had you doing your best to focus. You thought that Warrick had just been bluffing when he said he would help you practice your shooting but he was serious. Youâre on week two and your skills need some work.
Pulling the trigger, you fire three shots. When you finally lower the gun on the table, you laugh a bit awkwardly. None of them had landed where you intended. At least this time it was closer to the center. The first time you missed the paper completely.Â
âNot bad right?âÂ
You turn to Warrick and he smiles.Â
âItâs good that you kept your eyes open this time.â He laughs.Â
There was that.
You feel a bit guilty. Heâs taking time to help you and you donât feel like youâre getting any better.Â
âHey, donât worry about it. Youâll get the hang of it. Come on.âÂ
He gestures for you to pick the gun back up and you do so with a little sigh.Â
âMay I?âÂ
He asks to help you adjust your posture. You agree, and he moves closer. Both hands move to yours that are now holding the gun. He adjusts your fingers at the trigger and his body helps you fix your posture. Before youâd been nervous about holding the gun, now youâre more aware of his assistance.Â
âKeep your eyes forward, focus on what you wanna hit.âÂ
How exactly does he expect you to focus with his body so close?Â
âI-I think I got the hang of it.âÂ
You mumble.Â
He hums and you swallow trying your best to maintain your composure.Â
The little training session ended on a good note.Â
Youâd offered to pay for breakfast this time around. Now devouring pancakes, youâre laughing as he tells you some stories about him and Nick fooling around. It was nice, getting to know him, getting closer.Â
The week seemed to fly by, unfortunately your workload didnât.Â
The clash of two cases had you a bit backed up, so when Catherine came in looking for her samples the same time Warrick did you werenât even surprised. Greg was explaining what heâd found to Warrick and Catherine was waiting for the machine to process the unknown substance they had dug out of the victimâs wound.Â
Your eyes strayed ahead when you saw another worker stick some decorations on the wall. Catherine smiled. With all the craziness youâd almost forgotten that the year was almost over.Â
âAny new year's resolutions?âÂ
Catherine questioned.Â
Your eyes seemed to automatically search for Warrick who was on the other side of the room. You just bit the inside of your cheek and Catherine smiled just as the sheet of paper was printed. You handed her the document with a smile and Warrick seemed to have gotten what he needed, because he was waving his file with a smirk.Â
âLooks like you didnât strike out this time.âÂ
You joked.Â
âStraight home run.âÂ
He explained, exiting the room with a wave, Catherine not far behind. You slid into your chair.Â
You had to admit the only good part of the job sometimes was catching the bad guy. Too often than not the evidence seemed to be invalid. Times like that Grissom always knew what to say. You werenât sure if he was just that good at his job, or heâd seen so much that he understood exactly how the world works.Â
Whatever the case, all you could really hope for was a happy ending.Â
By the time the shift had ended you were already pretty much packed up. You intended to leave when you heard Warrick calling you.Â
âHey, I was hoping I would catch you.âÂ
You slowed down, a smile on your face.Â
âWhat can I help you with CSI Brown?âÂ
He shared a smile.Â
âGrissomâs having a little get together later at his place since we missed New Yearâs. You should come.âÂ
The invitation made you light up.Â
âIâd love to. Text me the time and Iâll be there.âÂ
He was content with the response, so after you left, you planned to eat a late breakfast and catch a nap before the little party later. Unfortunately your little nap went longer than intended and youâd ended up showing up an hour late.
Not that anyone minded. The laughter alerted you that theyâd already started the festivities.Â
There were a whole lot of people, twenty at most. You were even surprised to see Brass there. Then again, given the relationship with the team, it probably would have been weird if he didnât show up. Warrick smiled the moment he saw you and you gave a bashful wave as he handed you a beer.Â
âSorry Iâm late. I should have set an alarm, I overslept.âÂ
âNo worries. The only thing you missed is Catherine and Nickâs showdown.âÂ
You quirked a brow, just in time to see Nick slide off the wall, stumbling to pick himself up with a laugh. Catherine was in stitches, and from the sound of it, just as intoxicated as Nick.Â
She offered him a shoulder as they stumbled over to the couch. You couldnât help but smile at the scene. Grissom was at the side with Sara, wearing a similarly happy expression. It was nice to let loose every now and then.Â
âOne more drink!!â Nick called, lifting his hand.Â
âI second that!!â Catherine encourages. Grissom just shook his head.Â
âTheyâre going to regret that in the morning.â Warrick spoke.Â
You were positive the hangovers would speak for themselves.Â
The night carried on with laughter, conversation and a lot more alcohol. Youâd only had two beers since youâd driven and Warrick seemed to be doing the same. Nick and Catherine both passed out on the couch. Much to Grissomâs displeasure. Brass was chatting up a woman who worked in finance. A friend of Grissomâs. Greg had been flirting with just about everyone.Â
At one point youâd stepped out to Grissomâs backyard, just to catch a breath. Apparently Warrick had the same idea. He closed the slide door and you offered a smile as you leaned on the railing, looking up at the sky.Â
âItâs hard to believe that the year is already over.âÂ
Warrick nods.Â
âTime seems to be moving faster than we realize. Gotta remember to enjoy every moment.âÂ
âThat almost sounded like a wise quote from Grissom.âÂ
Warrick chuckles.Â
âMaybe heâs rubbing off on me.âÂ
There were times you could see how they were alike. Grissom trusted Warrick a lot, had faith in him and you could understand why.Â
âSo how about we start the New Year off with some more shooting practice.âÂ
With a bashful smile you shook your head.Â
âIâve been having a hard time focusing, so it might be better if we put that on a back burner.âÂ
His brows knitted.Â
âWhatâs distracting you?âÂ
He seemed genuinely curious and you shifted on your feet before you fully turned to him.
âYou are..âÂ
For the first few moments there was confusion, but then his expression evened out, realization coming slowly. Youâd hope that you wouldnât have to outright explain it.Â
You held his gaze, soft, inviting, longing..Â
In one swift move heâd cupped your cheeks and close the distance. Your lips connected and you moaned at the desperation of his kiss. It was unrelenting and you held on, pulling him as close as your bodies would allow.Â
When your back hit the door, he pulled back, as if to apologize, but you just shook your head.Â
âDonât stop..âÂ
You pleaded.Â
He looked just as needy as you in that moment, and he laughed softly, pressing a kiss to your cheek.Â
âAs much as Iâd like that, defiling Grissomâs backyard would definitely get me fired.âÂ
He was right. But your heart was still racing from the kiss.Â
âOnly if you get caught.â You said softly.Â
His smile was twice as wide and you returned it. You were still a bit surprised. Youâve recently discovered your feelings, but you werenât aware of his. Maybe he could read the question on your face. He just stroked your cheek softly.Â
âI thought I was being obvious.âÂ
He stated.Â
Your forehead creased in confusion and he just smiled, eyes straying to your lips as he licked his own. The desire in his eyes seemed obvious and you swallowed, now a bit breathless. Clearly you were just a tinge bit blind.Â
Jubal walked into work that morning with a bit more pep in his step and OA wasnât oblivious to the way he looked down at his phone and smiled.Â
âGood news?â He asked.Â
Tiffany and Scola looked up and Jubal just chuckled.Â
âJust another good training session.â Jubal explained.Â
OA was the one smiling this time and the knowing look Tiffany and Scola exchange had Jubal raising a brow.Â
âSomething I should know about?âÂ
âOh nothing, weâre just wondering when youâre planning to ask her out.â Scola stated.Â
âAsk who out?â Maggie questioned walking in, placing her bag on the desk.Â
â(Y/N).âÂ
They all answered in unison.Â
Jubal laughed, ran a hand down his tie then gave another laugh.Â
âWhat, no Iâm not going to, she doesnât want me to- weâre just-âÂ
He was fumbling over his words and Maggie laughed.Â
âTrust me, if you ask, sheâll say yes.â OA encouraged.Â
Jubal shifted a few times before he placed his hands on his hips.Â
âYou think so?âÂ
âDefinitely.â Scola replied.Â
Jubal hummed, about to ask further, but the dinging of his phone proved that he would have to put it off.Â
âSaved by the bell.â Tiffany joked. They all let out a soft laugh as they followed him to the jock.Â
~
âThanks Murdock.âÂ
The pat on your arm had you smiling, wiping the sweat from your brow.Â
Youâd just got done with a session against a supervisor on the fugitive task force. When he heard about the program heâd requested to have regular training sessions.Â
Turns out it was great practice because you were learning a lot more from him. The introduction of so many fighting styles has actually sharpened your skills.Â
âNo problem. See you next week.âÂ
You dropped the towel on your shoulder with a soft breath.Â
You were in desperate need of a shower. Youâve been going for a few hours with some breaks in between. When your phone dings, you find yourself feeling around for your bag. Grabbing the head phones, you slip it in to listen to the message. You smile the moment you realize itâs from Jubal.Â
âHey, youâre probably busy so I wonât be too long. I was wondering if you wanted to grab dinner, my treat. Youâve been working pretty hard. What do you say?âÂ
Of course the obvious answer is yes.Â
Once the reply is sent, you wait for him to respond, heading out of the training area.Â
~Later~
The knock at your door is expected. You seem to catch his aroma before you even open it. The second you do, his scent hits you and itâs heavenly. Youâve decided that regardless of the friendly invitation, it couldnât hurt to get just a bit dolled up.Â
The dress youâre wearing makes him smile.Â
âYou look amazing.âÂ
You smile.Â
âThanks, Iâd offer the same, but for all I know you could be wearing boxers.âÂ
Jubal laughs aloud and you giggle.Â
He offers his arm which you take graciously. Jubal has informed you of this nice restaurant and youâre eagerly anticipating it. You both take a cab and when you get there, he guides you to the table and pulls out your seat. When the menus come, he comically reads each dish and you decide on the best as you laugh at his antics.Â
When he made the suggestion for dinner you were a bit anxious for obvious reasons.Â
Itâs why youâre on your second glass of wine.Â
A waitress stops by to check how everything is going.Â
âIs everything to your liking?âÂ
Jubal nods and you do the same. Youâre about to ask for a glass of water. But her words interrupt you.Â
âIf you have any issues Iâd be happy to help you with them sir.âÂ
You can tell just from the tone of her voice that there is an underlying meaning in those words. You quirk a brow and Jubal politely declines.Â
âWeâre fine, thank you.âÂ
She says nothing more, just walks away and Jubal laughs a bit nervously.Â
âYou must be pretty handsome for her to so boldly flirt with you when you have company.â
âOh, devastatingly handsome. You have no idea.âÂ
You laugh at Jubalâs exaggeration.Â
The rest of the meal is filled with easy conversation and you drink the last of your wine. Jubal of course has offered to walk you home. Youâre standing at your staircase. At least youâre trying to ensure you stay upright. You might have gotten ahead of yourself with the drinks.Â
âThank you for the dinner.âÂ
âOf course, Iâm nothing if not chivalrous.âÂ
An easy smile makes its way on your face as you move to take a step but you stumble for a second, and he catches your arm.Â
âWoah, everything okay?âÂ
You nod, a bit embarrassed.
âIâm..Iâm actually a bit of a lightweight.âÂ
You admit.Â
âYou had three glasses of wine.â He says with a laugh in his voice.
âWell it tasted great, I couldnât help myself.âÂ
In actuality, you were a bit nervous and you were hoping the alcohol would help ease your nerves. You place your hand on the railing to steady yourself and Jubal helps you up the stairs. When you get your key out, you open the door and he helps you inside. Once inside, the door closes and you drop your keys on the counter.Â
âIâll grab you some water.âÂ
You wave it off.Â
âI promise Iâm fine. Just a little buzzed.âÂ
âIâll just take your word for it.â He chuckles, grabbing a bottle of water from your fridge. You move to the couch and he follows, removing the cap as he hands it to you. You take it gratefully, sipping the drink. When youâre satisfied, you place it down with a sigh. Jubal just looks at you with a smile.Â
âYou look happy, so I guess thatâs good.âÂ
You just giggle.Â
âSorry for the hassle.â
âDonât be. I guess even superheroes have weaknesses.âÂ
You fight back another laugh.Â
âIâm not a superhero.âÂ
âI donât know. You fight crime and you have kick ass abilities, sounds like a superhero to me.â Heâs teasing and you remove your glasses with a soft laugh as you run a hand through your hair. Now in the comfort of your home, you feel a bit more at ease.Â
âYouâre beautiful.âÂ
It sounds like a musing, and your head lifts as you turn your head in his general direction. He seems to catch himself.Â
âSorry, sorry, that was inappropriate.âÂ
He tries to laugh it off, but you can hear his heart rate, and it makes your own speed up. You shake your head before he can fully retreat.Â
âNo itâs..itâs okay. Thank you.âÂ
Your voice is soft.Â
You feel a bit embarrassed now. Heâs quiet and it doesnât take a genius to know heâs looking right at you. Maybe the liquid courage still running through your body is what gives you the idea to ask this next question.Â
âJubal, is it okay if I..âÂ
You hesitate, but he moves a bit closer to hear your request.Â
âWould you mind if I..âÂ
You lift your hands, as if to explain and it takes him a moment to understand.Â
âOh, you want to?âÂ
He makes a circular motion gesturing to his face. You tilt your head and he laughs at his own silliness before he gently reaches for your hands.Â
âYou want to touch me.âÂ
It sounds so suggestive and it makes you even more aware of this situation. You gulp, nodding and Jubal smiles, shifting closer. Your knees are now touching and heâs still holding your hands. He slowly moves them towards his face, and the second they make contact, the warmth of his skin does something to you.Â
He removes his hands, giving you a chance to do as you like. He closes his eyes, and you donât move, not immediately. It takes you a moment, and when you finally do, your palms glide over his cheeks. Your thumbs move up, around his eyes, over his eyebrows, then back down his nose.Â
Your expression is a bit awed.Â
One of your hands pulls back, and your other drifts down. Your thumb stops right at the curve of his lips. Jubalâs eyes fluttered open, taking in the expression now present on your face. You look a bit enamored, and he does his best not to make a move. Your touches are a bit tantalizing.Â
Your thumb moves lower, tracing the shape of his lips and a pleasant feeling settles in his stomach. Your breathing has become a bit shallow. You keep going lower, grazing his beard and that seems like the last of his restraint. He gently takes your free hand, turning his head to press a kiss to your knuckles and your breath hitches.Â
He pulls back, and your hand slowly lowers, now laying on his shoulder for support. You lick your lips, and he smiles, hand cupping your cheek. His thumb glides over your cheek a few times before he slowly begins to move in. The action seems like a means to encourage you, or offer you a chance to draw back if you need to. In your head it feels like a taunt, because heâs moving so slow. Itâs driving you crazy. The first thing you feel is his breath that tickles your lips.Â
The first kiss is nothing but a subtle brushing. He pulls back, testing the waters, and you tighten your grip on his shoulder, urging him back in. You canât see where his lips are, but you need them so desperately.Â
âJubal please⊠just kiss me..âÂ
He chuckles at your neediness, nodding as he closes the space completely. His beard tickles you and you wrap your hands around his neck, determined to keep him close. Your fingers grip at the back of his shirt as he kisses you with a sense of urgency.Â
You do your best to keep up, mimic each action, but each touch is five times better than you expect and you feel a bit overstimulated just from his kisses. When his tongue gently brushes against your own, you moan louder than intended, body trembling against him.Â
This time he pulls back, looking at you, breathless.Â
âAre..are you okay..âÂ
His breathing is heavy, and you nod a bit embarrassed.Â
âI-Iâm fine. S-Sorry I just..âÂ
You need to collect yourself. You untangle yourself from him, placing your hand in your lap.Â
âSorry..âÂ
Your brows knit as you work to get your breathing under control.Â
Jubal shakes his head, placing a hand on your shoulder to assure you.Â
âYou donât have to apologize. Did I do something wrong?âÂ
âN-No!âÂ
You hadnât meant to shout and Jubal waited patiently for you to explain. With a few more soft breaths, you finally get yourself to calm down.Â
âAll of my senses theyâre heightened so sometimes itâs..itâs a little harder for me..âÂ
Itâs so embarrassing to explain.Â
In short, you get aroused a lot faster and youâre a lot more vocal.Â
âIs it uncomfortable?âÂ
He sounds worried.Â
âNo, no. It isnât. Iâm fine I promise.âÂ
You look down at your lap with a sigh.Â
âSorry, I feel like Iâve ruined the moment.âÂ
You just let out an awkward laugh.Â
When his palm cups your cheek, your head lifts.Â
âYou havenât ruined anything.âÂ
He kisses you deeply, and you moan again as he begins to lower you to the couch. Each kiss makes your body quiver and when he pulls back and begins leaving kisses against your neck, you whimper trying to hold in your sounds.Â
You bite down your lower lip and he smirks. His hand moves down your body and your mind tracks the path. You end up gripping the pillow behind your with one hand and pressing the other against your lips to keep your sounds in.Â
His hand moves to your thigh, sliding under the fabric of your dress. When his hands slips into your panties, youâre lost. You fist the pillow and one stroke of his hand is all it takes. Your hand moves to the side of you as you scream.Â
Jubal lets out a deep chuckle, hand still in delicate territory as he moves up your body and presses a kiss to your lips. He keeps making steady strokes and youâre practically moaning into his mouth.Â
When he finally slides a finger in, you make a grab at his shoulder, and he makes one careful curve with his finger that sends you over the edge. Your hips lift and you gasp out a moan. Jubal welcomes it, and eases his hand out of you when you finally come down. Your head turns to the side as you try to gather your bearings and your breath.Â
âThat was pretty sexy.âÂ
He whispers into your ear.Â
You just let out a soft moan, still holding unto him. You need some time to get it all back under control, and Jubal is more than patient.Â
hey. The emily prentiss tag keeps being used for non Emily related posts. Could you please try and refrain from tagging Emily in fics that donât centre her, thanks :)
Hi! Iâm not sure if you read my story, but it is a criminal minds/csi crossover. In this part, Emily Prentiss is in the fic. That is why I added the tag. Although it was not centered around her, I find it easier to label so my readers are aware.
However, I can understand how that could be frustrating. I usually donât add characters unless they are in the chapter or story. In the future I will be sure to pay closer attention to that.
Being a part of CSI in Las Vegas was the best thing to ever happen to you.
You started from the bottom of the barrel and you worked your way up to one of the best Crime Labs in the country.
Your team is amazing.
Warrick and Nick were like the brothers you never had. Grissom was the dad, Catherine the mom and Sara the ambitious sister. In a lot of ways you were a family. You had fun with the boys, empathized with the girls and things were nice.
The current case had barely been called in two hours ago. You and Warrick had been assigned to the case, and youâd gotten there and started on evidence collection. It should have been simple.
Except it wasnât.
The call Grissom received from Brass was one of urgency. All Nick heard was talk of a fire. When Grissom sped into the scene, they had practically stumbled out of the car, racing to the building that was now in flames. Cops seemed to be everywhere, firefighters spraying down the house to calm the flames.
Grissom had immediately begun to search for his subordinates, relief washing over when he saw Warrick standing at the back of an ambulance with a mask over his face as the paramedics tried to get him to sit down.
âWarrick!!â
The call pulled his attention, and Nick meant to ask for your condition. Warrick had practically ripped the mask off.
â(Y/N) is still in there!â
The color drained from his face, and Grissom seemed horrified.
Nick had only taken one proper breath before he was sprinting over into the direction of the building.
âNICK!!â
Grissomâs call was ignored, so was the yells from officers and firefighters alike. He kicked the door open, covering his face with his sleeve as he dashed inside.
It was hard to breathe, he knew it would be. Squinting, he did his best to rush through the space to search for you. The flames seemed to be everywhere.
â(Y/N)!!â
His yells echoed throughout the space, but no reply came back. The sound of the ceiling creaking above caught his attention and he dove just at the right moment before it came down, ash and wood blocking his view momentarily.
Heâd barely made it through the living room. It was getting harder to see, breathe, think, but he pushed onto his feet, heading towards the kitchen to check. The sight of a body was sobering. Your kit was a few feet away, and he coughed, running over and checking your body for injuries. There didnât seem to be any severe burns, but you were unconscious. Without a second thought he heaved you over his shoulders, securing you properly before he went dashing for the front door.
All he could hear was the sound of his heart thumping and he prayed that when he got outside he would be able to hear yours. Jumping over the broken and burnt pieces of wood from the fallen structure, he staggered out of the building, right before another burst of flames went off.
He was unsteady for a moment, but managed to keep himself upright up until the point that the firefighters had run to his side to help you off his shoulder. They took you quickly and a paramedic moved to his side, guiding him to the ambulance as he continued to cough, trying to pull in as much oxygen as possible. Heâd ended up collapsing on the floor, and Grissom was at his side, about to give him an earful. Now with a mask on his face, All Grissom could offer was a smile of relief.
The last thing Nick saw was your body being placed on a gurney as they carried you into an ambulance to help you.
When the chaos was over and the house was no longer in flames, the facts were brought in. Catherine, Sara and Grissom had taken the case the moment they heard you were in stable condition.
It took about a day to catch the killer who turned out to be a disgruntled employee of the victim. Apparently heâd returned to the scene to get rid of the evidence. He knew the area in and out and had managed to sneak by, setting the place ablaze to cover up it all.
Grissom was glad to make the arrest, even more so when heard that youâd finally woken up. Warrick and Nick recovered quickly considering their limited exposure.
You werenât surprised when the team showed up the following morning, balloons and all. You were laughing, straightening on the bed. Theyâd placed the gifts down and moved closer to express their relief. Warrick looked guilty and you supposed you could understand. Heâd been on the upper floor when the fire started and ended up in a brawl with the killer. Heâd been unconscious for a few minutes from the blow.
You hadnât even realized the place was on fire until you saw the smoke. By then the entire kitchen had gone up in what felt like a matter of seconds. Had the firefighters not dragged him out he probably would have ended up in a worse position than you.
âIâm sorry.â
You shook your head at his apologies.
âYou have nothing to apologize for. Iâm glad youâre okay.â
With smiles and laughter, you were just grateful that no one got hurt. When the doctor came in to lecture you about getting some rest, they were bidding their goodbyes. They were clearing the room, but Nick lingered.
You could see the understanding looks, and even the doctor had stepped out for you to have a quick conversation with him. You were smiling at him. The door closed and he moved closer to the bed.
âGrissom told me you went full superman, bolting into the place like a maniac. I guess I owe you that drink huh.â
You bumped his hand playfully and you expected an equally lighthearted response, but the look he sent you made your smile slowly drop. He looked almost terrified and your brows furrowed.
âNick Iâm-â
You werenât offered a chance to finish, he took a seat and pulled you into a hug. Your arms had ended up awkwardly extended at how sudden the hug was. You could feel his heart thumping heavily.
âIâm so..glad youâre okay..â
His voice wavered, and it was then you seemed to understand the extent of his fear. His hug was tight, and you werenât sure what to say.
Yes, youâd been scared, it was a terrifying experience, but having them around had made it feel less heavy. You suppose youâd taken for granted how much more it must have been for him, running in there searching for you.
Just as you meant to say something he pulled away, taking a breath as he ran his hand over his face, planting a smile.
âHurry up and get better.â
You were about to respond, but he lowered his head and walked right out the door. You werenât sure how to feel about the encounter.
It took about two weeks for you to actually be cleared. The doctor insisted that they needed to be safe due to how long youâd been in there and how much smoke youâd taken in. You were advised to report any issues. With a clean bill of health, you were back to work.
Greg had not so subtly brought you a cake and a few of the others had placed a banner to celebrate your return. All in all it felt great to be back. You were ready to be out in the field.
âSara, (Y/N), you take the casino.â
Grissom was handing out assignments. You went to reach for the paper when Nick stepped forward.
âActually, is it okay if I work this one with (Y/N)?â
Grissom looked curious, but didnât seem to mind.
âSure, why not.â Nick took the paper and Sara smiled as Grissom continued distributing cases. You sent a smile at Nick.
âMissed me that much huh.â
He just laughed, nodding.
âSure did.â
With your cases, you all dispersed.
You werenât surprised that the crime scene was packed with people. The body was found right next to a slot machine and the customers whoâd been using the slots nearby seemed more concerned with grabbing their winnings than sympathizing with a victim.
âCome on, how long are you guys going to take!!â
The man had been yelling at you all for the last ten minutes. The cops were dispersed taking statements, the yellow tape keeping everyone else outside. For the most part you ignored him. Snapping your photos.
âHey bitch Iâm talking to you!!â
You just rolled your eyes, brushing it off. When you saw Nick walk past you, you raised from your learned position.
âWhat did you just say?â
Heâd gotten right into the manâs face and you looked a bit surprised, moving to Nickâs side.
âNick, hey just ignore him, he's a moron.â
You placed your hand on Nickâs chest to push him back just as an officer came to move the man who was getting unruly. When the man was being escorted away, you sent Nick a look.
âDude, what the hell? Since when do you pick fights with civilians?"
He still seemed pissed, but he didnât say anything. You lowered your hand, clearly confused.
For a moment he just stared at you, and you couldnât read the expression.
It lasted for maybe a few seconds before he collected himself.
âLetâs get back to work.â
Thatâs all he said. You werenât sure what to make of it, so you decided to just keep an eye on him. Maybe he was just having a rough night.
Despite that, the both of you carried on with the evidence collection for the next hour. After some discussions about the victim and people associated with him, you caught a lead that the manâs spouse was a place to start.
âYou can head back to the lab, Iâll follow up with the wife.â
âIâll come with you.â He spoke.
You laughed it off.
âNick, I don't think I need extra body guards. The cops are meeting me there.â
âStill, itâs better safe than sorry.â
Heâd never been so adamant on something that small, so you brushed it off. You would have thought nothing of it if he hadnât been practically glued to your side for every trip. Even when you went back to the lab just to follow up with Greg. The only place he didnât follow you in was the bathroom. It got to the point that youâd sneakily grabbed Catherine to the kitchen to have a word before Nick came back from trace.
âIs there a reason youâre holding me hostage?â
You released her arm.
âSorry, I just really needed to talk to you.â
âOkay, whatâs the problem?â
You looked over her shoulder.
âOkay, I might be overthinking it, but do you think Nick has been acting weird?â
âWeird?â
âYeah. Heâs been watching me like a hound and he got into a scuffle with a guy at the casino. I donât know, it just seems like heâs on edge for some reason.â
âYou know men, maybe he just needs to get laid.â
You sent her a blank look and she smiled.
âJust ask him. He might just be overcompensating. He did run into a flaming building two weeks ago. He might just be running off a high.â
âHmmm.â
You hoped thatâs all it was. You meant to ask more, but he came around the corner.
âHey, where have you been, I thought you left without me. Letâs head over to the casino. I need to talk to the owner.â
You meant to make an excuse to stay with Catherine.
âHave fun kids, call if you need me.â
She was out of the room in seconds and you just glared in her direction.
âTraitor.â
Looks like you would have to wait until you cracked the case to interrogate Nick.
It took about twelve hours to catch the killer who ended up being the head of security at the casino who was banging the guyâs wife. You were grateful for another case solved, but the little voice in the back of your head was still pushing you to ask Nick what was going on. Even after the case was solved he still seemed uneasy and you couldnât for the life of you figure out why.
Usually during your team ups you both would crack jokes, or make playful comments but the entire shift felt off.
Finally done with your internal speculations, you confronted him.
âAlright, we need to talk. What the hell is going on with you?â
You stopped him in the locker room. Nick slipped on his shirt as you walked in, almost glaring at him. He closed the locker.
âI donât know what you mean.â
He was sliding on his watch and you scoffed.
âReally, you looked like you were about to body slam a civilian, you practically forbid me from going anywhere without you and youâve been giving me weird looks all day.â
He still wouldnât really look at you and it was a bit frustrating.
âNick just talk to me!â
âI donât know what you want me to say.â
âThatâs funny because it looked like you had a hell of a lot to say to that guy at the casino.â
âHe was being an ass and he could have hurt you.â
âSo now you think I canât protect myself?â
âThatâs not what I said.â
âThen what is it? Tell me, just tell me!!â
âI CANâT LOSE YOU OKAY!!â
He slammed his hand on the locker and you flinched. Not at the action, but his words, that stare.
Your back was now pressed to the locker as his hands settled on either side of you, trapping you against the structure.
Suddenly it seemed to make sense. His guilt, that fear in the hospital, his overprotectiveness.
You werenât sure what to say.
Your lips parted, and the position felt strangely intimate. This isnât the first time heâs been this close, it is however the first time your heart has beaten this fast due to his closeness. His breathing had been a bit heavy from the previous argument. It was slowly balancing out, and when you swallowed, he did the same, eyes drifting from your gaze to your lips.
When his hand slid down the metal surface, he took a step forward, licking his lips. You werenât sure what was more shocking, the fact that this was actually happening, or that you suddenly felt a bit desperate to taste his lips. Everything felt so tauntingly slow, and when you were both just a breath away, your eyes fluttered close, almost out of instinct.
âNick, Grissom says you need to..â
Warrickâs voice broke the trance and Nick pulled back almost immediately. You werenât sure how much heâd seen. He just looked between the both of you before he spoke again.
âSorry. Grissom needs you to send the release form.â
Nick nodded, eyes on the floor.
âIâll be right there.â
He sent you a brief look before he was walking out of there. Warrick stepped to the side for him to pass, and as he made his way down the hall, Warrick sent you a look, but he didnât say anything. He lingered for a moment before he left. You exhaled shakily, sliding down the locker, now seated on the floor, trying to gather your bearings.
Clearly there was a lot that needed to be discussed.Â
Itâs easier to do your job without all the baggage.Â
You didnât think it would feel this light not to walk around with the weight on your shoulder. You were actually humming as you matched the blood samples and when Nick walked in you knew it was for his results.
âHey, Iâm almost done, give me a second.â
Clicking a few keys, you printed the information. The document came streaming out of the machine you turned to Nick, he seemed apologetic.
âSomething wrong?â
âIâm sorry, I didnât know (Y/N).â
You werenât really sure what he was apologizing for, at least not at first. When realization hit, you just wore a small smile.
âItâs okay.â
Nick isnât exactly Ecklie level douchebag, you knew for him the nickname was probably just one of those things.
âHere, your blood samples were a match.â
He took the paper with a smile.
âThanks.â
âNo problem.â
You look over his shoulder, almost expecting someone else. Warrick. Usually both of them are joined at the hip.
âIs Warrick not in today?â
Nick shook his head.
âTook a personal day. Grissom said he had something to do in New York. Both of them left. Catherineâs the boss today.â
âOh, it must be serious.â
âGuess so.â
He waves the paper.
âThanks again, see you later.â
âSee you later.â
With a wave, youâre a bit curious about what had taken Grissom and Warrick away. Maybe a cold case. You shrug it off, heading back to your station. Maybe you should get Warrick a drink the next time you see him. He always brings you coffees after all. Heâs also really nice to you, and he did give you a hug when you were pretty much crying your eyes out..
You blush.
Heâs just a really nice guy.
Slapping your cheeks, you get back to work.
A few hours of processing countless samples and DNA and youâre clocking out. Youâre still a bit curious behind the mystery trip, so you send a text, just to check in.
âThanks for checking up. Weâll be back tomorrow.â
His response makes you feel a bit more at ease. You go to sleep without a worry that night.
The very next day youâre the one who comes in with the coffees. You have five, one for each of them. When you walked into the kitchen, Warrick looked about ready to leave.
âHey, looks like I caught you guys at the best time. I bought coffee.â
You smile and they all seem grateful, each taking a cup. You know they appreciate the drink, yet the smiles they wear seem awfully suspicious.
âUmm, everything okay?â
Warrick is holding a file, placing the coffee down. The manilla folder is a mystery to you. He just holds it out.
âWe didnât want to say anything until we caught him.â
Youâre not sure what that means, but you take the folder nonetheless, opening it. The image of your mother makes you freeze, and the mugshot of the man next to it has you staring in disbelief.
âYou were a kid when your mother was shot. Even though you identified the man they didnât have enough to hold him. He walked free and you had to live with that. I spoke to the officers who ran the case. They werenât able to do much back then, but technology has advanced since then.â
Grissom explains.
Your hands are trembling, because thereâs a part of you that thinks this is a lie. That they hadnât actually caught the scumbag that shot your mother in cold blood. Youâd always been too afraid to even look at the case. When you landed your job, you kept going back, but you could never find enough to prove it and the officers that worked the case were adamant that there was nothing they could do.
You look up with tear filled eyes. Warrick stepped forward, placing a hand on your shoulder.
âWe got him.â
You werenât really sure what to say. There didnât seem to be actual words to describe your gratitude. Grissom simply smiles.
âI hope this will bring you some sort of solace.â
He has no idea how much this means to you. Rushing over, you hug Grissom tightly and he laughs softly, patting your back.
âT-Thank you..â
He just shook his head.
âYou should thank Warrick.â
You pull back and Grissom gives you cheeks a little pat. When you turn to Warrick heâs grinning.
âReady to learn how to shoot a gun?â
All you can do is laugh as you run over, pulling him into a hug that he gladly accepts.Â
Your daydream was interrupted by JJâs question. You lift your head and JJ, Prentiss and Garcia are looking at you curiously.
âIâm fine.â
You're careful to keep your tone even, but it does nothing.
âAre you sure about that?â
Prentiss lifts a brow and you sigh, dropping the pen on the desk. The second you got the slip from Hotch youâve been distracted.
âI have another joint case with the Las Vegas Police Department.â
âAnd thatâs bad?â Garcia asks.
JJ and Prentiss seem to already evaluate why youâre so distracted.
They both take a seat and Garcia is more than ready for the inside scoop. She pulls a chair herself.
âIâm just..confused..â
âConfused about what exactly? An attractive intelligent man hitting on you?â Prentiss asks.
You stare in shock and JJ laughs at your expression.
âWe knew the second you came back and stopped ranting about that supervisor. It wasnât hard to put it together.â
If you were being that obvious youâre almost mortified now. If they figured it out then Spencer definitely knew.
âDonât worry, Spencer is just as oblivious as you when it comes to these things. He has no idea.â JJ assures.
Thatâs actually a relief.
âH-Hey!â
Garcia giggles.
âItâs your character flaw. You can break down a case, but not the more finer things. It might be hereditary.â
They seem amused and you just sulk in your seat.
âWhat am I supposed to do?â
Youâre not sure how to face him and act nonchalant after the encounter.
âIt depends, do you like him?â
âN-No! He drives me crazy. He keeps questioning my work, he doesnât like to admit it, even when Iâm right and he says the most ridiculous things that are actually sometimes pretty sweet..â
You trail off and they exchange a look.
âSo you really like him.â
You groan, dropping your head on the desk.
âThis is going to suck.â
They just laugh.
The trip to Las Vegas felt like it just flew by.
Another murder case, one the sheriff was apparently paying close attention to. When you get on the scene, Sara and Grissom are already collecting all that they can. Youâd read the witness statements on the way and did a preliminary evaluation on the suspect the police currently have in custody.
Sara is the first one that spots you making your way behind the yellow tape as you walk into the house where the body is currently laying.
A young woman.
âGood to see you again.â
You nod.
âI wish the visits were under more desirable circumstances.â
Grissom is second to notice and he looks over, glasses perched on his nose. Despite all the coaching you did to remain professional, the second your eyes met, that seemed to rush right out the window.
Unconsciously you lick your lips and he just watches you for a moment, the way he does when he exams something heâd like to solve. It makes you feel a bit bashful to be so carefully studied. You quickly divert your gaze.
âCatch me up.â
You state, ready to hear all that theyâve gotten so far.
The rundown is quick.
Gunshot wound to the back of the head.
From the wound as well as blood splatter, itâs clear that sheâd been killed somewhere else.
Grissom informs you that theyâd done their preliminary and he gives his insights before the body is taken away to be examined.
For the next hour they gather as much as they can before youâre all off again.
When youâd all made it to the morgue, the evaluation leaves a lot for thought.
Despite the obvious, thereâs marks on both her wrists and ankles, as if sheâs been restrained. All of which had been carefully covered before by her clothing.
âThese arenât the only marks we found. Superficial bruises on her gluteus maximus as well as similar healed bruising on her throat, over her eyes as well as along inner thighs.â Your gaze hardens at the doctorâs assessment.
âShe was sexually abused?â Grissom questions.
âThat was my first thought as well. But the kit came back negative. What I did find was a contraceptive.â
Your brows furrowed.
âShe prepared?â
That doesnât make much sense.
âNot just that.â She moves to the table and you watch as she holds up a sheet of paper, handing it to Grissom.
âThere were pieces of leather remnants on her wrists. The trace came back and youâd never believe what we found.â
Youâre a bit confused and Grissom simply looks like he understands better.
âThank you.â
The doctor nods with a smile and you follow him out as he takes off as if on a mission.
âAre you going to share with the class?â
âYouâll know soon enough.â
Great, another riddle.
Youâre both on the road again. When you step out the car you look around and the building Grissom heads for doesnât truly answer any of your questions. Heâd made a few calls before you left, so youâre not surprised that the people at the reception desk expect you.
âWeâre devastated to hear about what happened to Ms. Harper. Anything we can do to help.â
The woman seems very cooperative.
You adjust the camera around your neck.
âWeâd like to see the room she frequently used.â
âYes, of course, follow me.â
Grissom sends you a look as you both follow her down the hall. As you walk through, the many doors are a bit lost on you. This looks like any other high end establishment. When you get to the desired room, the woman unlocks it, turning to the both of you with a sly smile.
âIf youâre interested weâre very discreet about our clientele.â
She sends an awfully suggestive look to Grissom before excusing herself. With his kit in hand he enters and you prepare for a pristine office, but what you get is something completely different. The door closes and your face is possibly every shade of red.
âI-Is this aâŠ.â
âSex room. Yes. The bruises found on our victim were not from any altercation. She had some very specific taste. Itâs possible that one of her regular attendants could be our killer.â
He moves through the room and you swallow at the many whips, collars, chains and other erotic items around the room. He chooses a spot to begin his work.
Youâre still a bit thrown off. Youâre positive youâve never been this flustered in your life. You canât understand how he could be so casual about this. Then again, heâs probably seen worse.
âMake sure you photograph everything.â
You jolt out of your daze.
âY-Yes!â
You practically scramble away and Grissom hides a small smile as he gets back to it.
For the next hour youâre logging everything of potential interest. Youâd move to the corner with the few rows of stands that have an array of items. You canât seem to really grasp it. Youâve never really considered venturing in this direction.
For a moment you lower your camera, reaching for one of the leather cuffs. You turn your hand once itâs around, as if to check the size and compare your hand with that of your victim, maybe understand when they were made, or what the appeal is.
You intend to just lightly close the metal, but it clasps shut and you flinch when you tug and it doesnât release.
âN-No way..â
This could not be happening.
You pull and pull but it doesnât give way, when you look over, the desk seems to hold a small container of keys but itâs at least ten feet away.
âYouâve got to be kidding me.â
This is embarrassing enough.
âYouâve gotten more involved in roleplay I see.â
Grissomâs voice makes your cheeks color.
âI-Itâs not like that! I-I was just trying to understand the time frame of her bruises and the damn thing locked me in.â
He chuckles, easily spotting the keys, strolling over there with his kit in hand. He places the kit down and grabs the keys. As heâs making his way back over youâre still fighting against the restraints.
âIf you keep pulling youâre going to bruise.â
You frown.
âHow the hell do people even like this? Itâs so primitive.â
Grissoms just wears a smile, and as he gets closer, you become more aware of how scandalous this situation is. Youâre at his mercy in a sense. Chained to this structure.
Heâs now standing right before you and the difference in height makes you swallow. He looks down at you, taking it all in. Youâve stopped resisting, lips parted, eyes solely on him, arm still in a lifted position from your predicament.
âBDSM is about power. Some people enjoy holding it, others enjoy being at the mercy of it. Regardless of the position, all of those engaged have control over what they want, what is done. For many itâs an escape from the things in their life they canât control. For othersâŠâ
He moves in, and the lack of distance makes your mind go blank. He lifts both hands to free you, his lips a breath away.
âItâs the thrill, the racing in your chest when your partner has you completely captured..â
Heâs right about one thing, your heart is indeed racing. You're dazed, and just for a second you assume heâll close the distance. The click of your restraint echoes and he steps back as you stumble, your hand now free.
âWe should get going. Thereâs a lot of work to be done.â
He turns, moving to grab his kit and you straighten your suit with a shaky breath.
âDamn him.â
This is actual torture.
For the next few hours youâre hard at work. Grissom is working the evidence with Sara. Nick and Warrick have stopped by for a bit of guidance, as well as to observe the progress on your case.
Grissom has presented a theory and he seems very sure the murder was done during one of the victimâs âsessionsâ. You havenât ruled it out. Itâs obvious that she was moved.
You know that much.
âWhoever did this, completed it in close quarters. According to the abrasions under her eyes, she was blindfolded first. This was someone she trusted. They were seated, and so was she.â
Grissom takes a seat on the chair heâs staged in the center of the room.
âSo he had a chair adjacent to her?â Nick asks.
Grissom shakes his head.
âNot adjacent. He sat first, she sat second.â
Warrick looks curious.
âShe sat in his lap? Thatâs pretty ballsy.â
âIt explains the bruises on her inner thighs. Her body gave way when she died, so he had to physically move her, thatâs why they were superficial. He added a little extra force than usual.â
Grissom makes motions with his hands as if to mimic the weight and action. Warrick grins.
âNick, maybe you should help him out.â He nudges. Nick laughs and Sara puts her finger on her nose.
âNot it.â
They all laugh and even Grissom smiles at the antics. When their focus changes to you, well, you know itâs trouble.
âMaybe we should have our profiler do a bit of roleplay.â Warrick states.
You know heâs teasing, and from the looks you know they donât expect you to actually do it. But you feel a need to prove yourself, especially after your little incident.
âFine! Iâll do it.â
You march over and Grissom seems a bit impressed. Warrick and Nick are snickering and Sara shakes her head with a laugh. Now standing in front of Grissom, youâre determined. He opens his arms and you climb on, legs straddling him.
Instinctively you press closer to avoid falling and when youâre situated, you meet his eyes, as if waiting for instruction. Heâs looking right back at you with that gaze that seems to penetrate you right to your soul. Your pulse once again has gotten a mind of its own.
âClose your eyes.â
âW-What! Why?â
âBlindfold.â
He gestures around your eyes.
Youâd rather not, but youâve already volunteered, so you might as well commit. Closing your eyes, you keep your hands steady on his shoulders. Without your sight you seem to be aware of so much more.
Like how broad his shoulders are, or how good it feels to be this close. His hands move down to your thighs, and you bite your lip to prevent any sounds from escaping. His hands are big, they seem to easily slip under each thigh. Unconsciously you tighten your grip on his shoulders, back arching.
âGood job, we got him.â
His words make your eyes open, and before you can question it, he stands with an almost victorious laugh with you still in tow. Clearly you're caught by surprise, the fear of falling imminent, but he easily manages your weight with a palm gently pressed to your back and your gaze once again meets his. He says nothing, just watches you for a moment before he places you gently on your feet.
âThank you.â
Thatâs all he says before heâs diving back into the evidence.
Youâre not sure what to say.
An hour later youâre arresting the spouse.
Apparently heâd caught wind of his wifeâs extracurricular and decided to put an end to it before his reputation was compromised. Grissom was proud to report that moving the body was the husbandâs biggest mistake.
Now with your criminal behind bars, everything feels right.
Warrick and the others have wrapped up their individual cases, bidding their goodbyes.
Youâre the last to see Grissom.
Youâre not sure how, but the second the door closes he seems to know itâs you, because heâs wearing that smile again. Like he can read your mind.
âListen, I think we should talk.â
You need to set a few things straight.
âThis little game youâre playing, Iâm not interested. Youâve had your fun, proved your point. Iâm clueless and inexperienced when it comes to certain things. I can admit that. What I donât like is being someoneâs puppet.â
âWho said anything about being a puppet?â
You frown.
âDonât play dumb. You keep doing these little things that make me-â
âMake you what?â
He stands, and suddenly you donât feel as sure. He slides his glasses off easily, placing them on the desk.
âNothing Iâve done has been a game.â
You hate how such simple words make you so happy on the inside. His approach is slow and with each step, you can feel your defenses lowering. This man, he infuriated you.
âI question you because I want to understand what you do. My job is figuring out the how, the why has never been of much importance to me. Yet it works for you. Iâd like to know more, apply it in a way that works with my evidence. What better way to learn than from the best.â
He stops, now looking down at you and your gaze wavers.
âYouâre an amazing woman, and Iâd be lying if I said that I donât appreciate it, your perspectives, insights, presence..â
The last part is mumbled and youâre almost certain your legs will give out.
âI apologize if this makes you uncomfortable. If youâd like me to keep our meetings strictly professional then I respect that decision.â
You should say it, explain that professional is the only route forward. But when he looks at you that way, it almost makes you forget how truly deficient you are in this area. How much you really have missed because he looks about ready to ravish you and all you seem to think about is what it would feel like if he indeed decided to slam you against the wall and steal your breath away.
âI..I..â
You canât form a coherent word, much less a sentence.
âYes?â
He encourages.
You swallow, and he simply smiles, hands gently cupping your cheeks.
âIâll be gentle since itâs your first time.â
Heâs teasing you again, you know that. You should yell at him, but he closes the distance and any retaliation disappears because his lips are so soft and he smells so deliciously tantalizing. It must be aftershave, because heâs said on more than one occasion that he doesnât wear cologne.
Messes with the evidence.
You moan, hands gripping his shirt as he gently pushes you to the wall. Your back makes a soft sound and his hands change direction, gently running down your body. One lands on your waist, sliding up your back to pull you flush against him. You gasp when his lips part for a moment only to reclaim yours, this time his tongue has taken control.
You whimper, bashful with your own inexperience. Grissom gently coaxes you to follow his lead and you do so, getting a bit light headed.
Maybe he realizes, because he pulls away this time and you pull in a shaky breath. His lips have changed direction, now trailing over your skin. He presses a kiss to your neck, then another and another, slowly caressing you.
Youâre convinced that you no longer have the ability to speak, because all that seems to escape you are desperate moans.
Working at the FBI has come with some nice perks.Â
Youâve used a bit of your extra cash to purchase items needed in the office and Foggy is always ecstatic.
âMan, life is good. Business is booming, youâre basically an FBI Agent/Lawyer. Things are nice.â
âYou realize Iâm not actually an agent.â
âSchematics.â Foggy reasons.
Karen walks over with a fresh pot of coffee.
She pours a cup for you, offering it and you take it with thanks.
Foggy leans against the desk with his arms folded and you turn your head in his direction.
âWhat?â
âOh, you know what. Donât act like youâre oblivious.â
You should know better than to expect him to let that go.
âI just remembered I have a training class today.â You place the cup down and Foggy laughs.
âYou canât run from it forever!â
That was sort of the hope.
When you step into 26 Fed, OA greets you at the entrance. You both step into the elevator, just barely stopping the doors when someone else rushes in. You recognize that cologne anywhere.
âGood morning Agent Valentine.â You say playfully.
Jubal grins, and OA gives a greeting, but pays close attention to the way you seem completely engaged with Jubal. The both of you talk back and forth before Jubal steps out to head to the jock. You assumed OA was doing the same, but he shakes his head.
âA friend of mine is coming to watch todayâs training session, I wanted to give you both a proper introduction.â
âThank you.â
He nods and you step back as the elevator starts moving again.
âSo how long have you had a thing for Jubal?â
The question almost makes your shoulders stiffen and you turn around to deny it, but you can almost feel the grin on his face.
âI donât have a thing for-â
The doors open and your words are interrupted. OA stretches his hand out and you grumble under your breath as you walk and he follows.
âListen, Jubal and I are just-â
âYou donât have to explain anything to me, itâs none of my business.â
He still sounds smug.
You need to get better at hiding it.
Careful evasion of the topic and a few hours of sweat and punches later and youâre changing in one of the locker rooms.
Sliding on a sweater, you find yourself evaluating how to be more subtle about your attraction to the certain special agent in charge. Youâre a bit distracted, thatâs why you donât sense the man in front of you until you crash right into him.
âWoah.â
He catches your by the arms and your folded cane hits the floor. Your glasses have also fallen.
âHey, everything okay?â
Itâs Jubal.
Of course itâs Jubal.
You nod with a smile.
âYes, sorry about that. Usually Iâm more coordinated. Youâd think I was blind or something.â
Jubal smiles at the joke, and you mean to grab your fallen items.
âLet me.â
He moves to the floor, getting the cane and your glasses. When he straightens, he hands both to you which you take gratefully.
âThank you Jubal.â
âOf course. How about I walk you back to your place. Donât want you bulldozing anymore agents on your way out.â
âI survived a few decades with no incidents, I think you might just be lucky.â
âI feel lucky.â
With a warm smile, he releases you.
âReally Jubal, Iâm fine. I was just in a bit of a daydream. Iâll be more careful.â
You can tell heâs reluctant to just walk away, because he must sense that there is more to it, but he doesnât push. Which you appreciate.
âAlright, Iâll see you next week.â
âNext week.â You agree.
You give one last reassuring smile before youâre walking out. You arenât oblivious to his stare that follows you.Â
Graduation was filled with tears, cake and a whole lot of bubbly champagne. The little celebrations felt endless and when it all finally died down, the little after party at your house was coming to a close. Your mother was bidding the last of your guests goodbye as you started to clean up.
Clark had left a while ago with his parents, both of them very proud.
Lex lingered back, and when your mother turned the corner and saw him collecting the streamers, she smiled.
âI never thought Iâd see the day. A Luthor cleaning my house.â
He gave a small smile, and she moved over to you, patting your shoulder. Given how close Clark and you were to Lex, you supposed it felt natural to have him in the house. She didnât really see him that different from Pete, Lana or Chloe. All of you had formed a bit of a small group.
She liked him as your friend. Given what happened, you knew it was an adjustment at the start, but she seemed okay with it. You hoped it would make the news a bit easier to handle.
You casted a look at Lex, and he placed the streamers on the table.
You turned to your mother, and she looked invested, especially with how seriously you were now looking at her.
âHoney, whatâs wrong?â
Sheâs concerned, and you just shook your head.
âI-Itâs nothing bad.â
You look back at Lex, and he got the hint, moving to your side as he took your hand. Your fingers interlocked, and your mother studied the gesture, slowly putting the pieces together.
âLex and I, weâve been dating for about a year.â
For a moment nothing is said. When the silence became too loud, Lex took a step forward.
âIâd like you to know that weâve been very careful. I understand that she has a future that canât be jeopardized. I would never do anything to hurt her.â
His words are sincere, but your mother still looks as though sheâs calculating all the information.
Her expression is starting to worry you.
âMom?â
âYep, still here. Iâm just curious. Did she hex you or something?â
âM-Mom!!â
âI have to ask. I gave birth to her but youâre a very attractive man, the math isnât adding up.â
âARE YOU KIDDING ME!!â
She smiles, and Lex looks a bit relieved.
âAre you being serious right now!!â
âWhat, I mean he is a millionaire. Do you know how much of my charm it took to snag your father? He was so popular in college. I was fighting those girls off with a stick.â
You groan, placing your palm in your face.
âYouâre unbelievable.â
Obviously you were worried about the wrong thing.
âI find it hard to believe that you did any chasing Mrs. (L/N).â
Lexâs charming smile makes your mother blush and you gape.
âOh, how sweet.â
She moves to his side, taking his arm.
âMr. Luthor, I might get the wrong idea and think youâre flirting with me.â
He laughs and you glare, grabbing his other arm.
âS-Stop flirting with my boyfriend! Heâs mine!!â
Itâs impossible to hide your jealousy and Lexâs smile is twice as big.
âJealousy isnât a good look on you dear.â
âStop trying to steal my man mom!!â
That was how the conversation went.
Lex spent the better part of that half hour laughing as you continued to scold your mother as you all finished cleaning up.
Youâd been grumbling as you did the dishes, while Lex was helping your mother fix the table, so you hadnât heard the words they both exchanged.
âI appreciate you being so transparent.â
Lex was very conscious of the serious tone, as well as the expression of your motherâs face.
âLosing her father, it broke her. It had been so long since Iâve seen her smile. When she got that project with Clark, I was happy. She was so closed off and he brought her back out of her shell. Despite all of that, thereâs a part of her thatâs always hated anyone with the name Luthor.â
Her expression is a bit sad, and Lex understands. The contempt heâd seen when you confronted that day was easy to spot. When he saw the family photos, he realized. His family had always been just a thing in his life. There was no real bond, no unconditional love.
Yet he took one look at the photos in your home and he could almost feel it. He couldnât imagine what it felt like to lose that. His mother was possibly the only one who loved him and sheâd died when he was so young.
âThe fact that she loves you must mean that youâre exceptional, because my daughter is an exceptional person and a great judge of character.â
Those words made him smile.
âMom..â
The both of them turned, and you were standing in the doorway with a rag in your hand and watery eyes. Your mother actually laughed and you practically raced to her side as you hugged her.
Lexâs smile grew warmer as he watched the little moment before your mother reached out and yanked his arm, pulling him into the hug.
The entire evening was a blessing.
~Extra~
âI still canât believe she tried to steal you.â
Lex is still laughing as you angrily pace around his living room.
âNo need to get so riled up, Iâd never choose anyone else, after all, Iâm yours arenât I?â
You should have known he would tease you.
All you can do is grumble, and he grins, leaning in and leaving a kiss on your cheek.
âYouâre hot when you get all possessive and jealous.â
He intends to remind you of those words you said forever.
It felt like so much had gone wrong in your life and you supposed if anyone could relate it was Ratchet. It hasnât been easy for either of you, maybe thatâs why youâd found each other. Ratchet, to restore his faith in humanity and you to restore your faith in, well, everything.
All you seem to do is replay a few of the very comedic and sweet moments with him.
Like last month.
âAre those gummy bears and chocolate?â
You hadnât realized you were craving it until he emptied the grocery bag. Ratchet has become very independent, and he always looks so accomplished when he gets all the products on your list when he shops alone.
âYes. Your menstrual cycle is approaching and you crave these desserts when it arrives. I have also retained the necessary equipment to survive the tortuous experience.â
He pulled out two packs of pads as well as three boxes of tampons.
Honestly youâre a bit stunned. Youâd only told him one time about your period. Only because heâd tracked your low iron levels and assumed the worse. After you spent twenty minutes assuring him that you werenât dying, he seemed more assured that this was just a part of the human physiology that he wasnât well versed in yet.
âH-How did you know my period was coming?â
âIâve imputed your cycle into my system to ensure I have an accurate time frame.â
You werenât really sure what to say. You kind of felt like crying because that was literally the sweetest thing ever. Your lower lip quivered and when he saw the change in your expression, he moved to your side immediately.
âWhat is wrong! Have I obtained the wrong sizes!!â He looked a bit panicked, eyes darting between you and the box of pads and all you could do is laugh. You shook your head with a smile, pulling him in for a kiss that he accepted happily. When you pulled away his eyes were glowing and you just grinned.
âYou are..happy?â
You nodded.
âI am. Thank you Ratchet.â
He shared a smile.
âYou are welcome.â
That was just one of the many. Heâs been slowly adapting better, figuring it all out. When Optimus came back, things were tense, yet once again it seems everyone has managed to co-exist. At least to an extent. Bumblebee spends his days at the junkyard with Cade and a few other autobots. You stop by regularly. On days that you and Ratchet are free, you venture to different spots so he can just be himself.
Youâve been to a few states and a number of venues that are open, spacious and beautiful.
Today youâre at another spot thatâs covered by a mass of trees. Earlier when he was walking the path youâd been seated on his metal shoulder just watching the beautiful view below. Now youâre both seated, looking down at what seems to be a valley. Youâve spread a blanket and placed down your basket with snacks and drinks nearby. Your sundress blends right into the atmosphere.
Ratchetâs optics are trained ahead, but yours are strictly focused on him.
Lately youâve begun to really appreciate it, him in his true form.
He always seems to be free, relaxed and it makes you happy, among other things.
You cross your legs at the thought that rushes through your mind. The dress isnât really doing much to help. Now you feel a little more aware of how easy it would be for him to touch anything, feel everything.
âGet a grip girl.â
Sometimes you need to remind yourself that he can see and sense a lot. He always seems to know when youâre excited. Youâve gotten a bit better at hiding it. But itâs not easy when everything he seems to do urges a reaction from you.
He looks down at you and you straighten, planting a smile on your face.
âI-Itâs beautiful, isnât it?â
âIt is.â
His eyes are still trained on you and you try to casually squeeze your thighs together. When his hand comes down at the side of you, you jolt slightly.
âYour pheromone levels are elevated.â
âDang it!!â
âI-Itâs nothing! Being in this place just makes me really h-happy I guess.â
You hope youâve done a good job at covering it up, but even that feels a bit weak.
âIs that all?â
The way he looks at you makes you want to confess so much right now. His metal fingers are maybe a foot away from your hip. You look between his hand, then back up at him, nibbling on your lip. Itâs stupid to think you can truly fool him. Clearly heâs not going to let it go unless you explain yourself.
You lick your lips and his eyes track every reaction.
âI..â
You gulp, finally really holding his gaze.
âI really like it when youâre like this, in your true form..â
You admit bashfully.
The rings in his optics seem to glow a bit brighter and you swallow.
He smiles.
âWhat a naughty human you are.â
You blush.
âD-Donât tease me!â
Ratchet merely chuckles and you mean to put him in his place, but he leans closer and you lose your words.
âIf it were possible for us to mate in this form I would gladly make love to you right here.â
Your lips part in shock and excitement.
His hand reaches over and when he gently parts your legs with his fingers, youâre not sure what to expect but your heart is racing.
âWeâre all alone here, you can be as vocal as youâd like.â
That catches you by surprise, so does his thumb that lands right between your legs, pressing against your most sensitive spot. He gives a purposeful stroke and you jolt in surprise, letting out a moan.
You end up on your back, and instinctively you try to reach for something. Your hands end up pressing against his chest plate as he starts a tauntingly pleasurable rhythm. Youâre a bit breathless, both the gentle strokes and the sensations that run through your body.
Your arousal is so effortlessly written on your face as you practically claw at the metal as he continues his ministrations. Youâre moaning, gasping, almost screaming and heâs taking it all in.
âR-Ratchet w-wait I-I-Iâm gonna-â
Your hips jerk and you release before you can stop it, a staggered scream echoing in the space. You know one thing thatâs certain.
Your panties are definitely ruined.
Your head drops against the blanket, chest rising and falling a bit briskly. Your eyes are closed and Ratchet laughs lowly, his fingers running along your inner thigh. You twitch, looking up at him with a sense of desperation.
He canât truly express how fortunate he is. Not just for your honesty, protection, but your acceptance. The very thing heâd been ridiculed for by society was the thing you seemed to love most about him.
You love him regardless, a feeling he didnât realize he craved until he met you.
You lift your hand and when you press it to his cheek, his expression softens. You urge him closer, and he welcomes it, the soft kiss you leave on his lips. All he feels is the warmth of it. When he pulls away, you still look terribly desperate.